An exceptionally wet October, driven by the north-east monsoon, has enveloped various regions of South India, leading to prolonged heavy rainfall over the past few weeks. The experience of rain varies for individuals based on their annual encounter with power outages and building leaks during this season. However, regardless of the personal inconveniences, it’s undeniable that filmmakers have long employed rain as profound motifs in their storytelling.
When considering films that pay tribute to rain, two anime features by Japanese filmmaker and novelist Makoto Shinkai stand out prominently. Known for his preoccupation with rain, Shinkai’s works often reflect this theme beautifully. “The Garden of Words” tells the story of an almost-romantic relationship between a teenager and an older woman who find solace from thunderstorms in a Shinjuku park. Meanwhile, “Weathering With You” centers around an orphaned girl who possesses the ability to control the weather, both showcasing an impressive array of stunning anime rain sequences that transform Tokyo into a bewitching atmospheric refuge.
The Hollywood tradition of moody thrillers set against the backdrop of rain is epitomized by David Fincher’s “Se7en”. The relentless storms only cease when the enigmatic John Doe surrenders, symbolizing the end of his terrifying reign. Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island” and Matt Reeves’ reinterpretation of “The Batman” add to this genre, alongside multiple films from Denis Villeneuve such as “Blade Runner 2049” (with Ridley Scott’s original also being a notable mention), “Prisoners” and “Arrival”. Enthusiasts speculated on whether a misty shot of Arrakis would feature in the “Dune” movies, but with “Messiah” on the horizon, expectations remain. James Mangold’s “Identity” deserves a nod for its mystery unraveling amidst an eternal deluge.
In South Korean cinema, director Bong Joon-Ho is renowned for his intricate use of rain to enhance context and subtext.
. In “Memories of Murder”, the rain foreshadows despair as police uncover a serial killer who strikes exclusively when it rains. In contrast, “Parasite” uses a formidable storm and subsequent flood to expose stark class disparities between the Kim and Park families, unveiling previously hidden truths. Bong’s other works such as “The Host” and “Mother” also cleverly weave rain into their narratives to influential effect.
Closer to home, in southern India, Mani Ratnam crafts the poignant “Kannathil Muthamittal”, which features the lush Sri Lankan landscape drenched in rain during its climactic scenes, with the family huddling under an umbrella set to AR Rahman’s haunting tune “Vellai Pookal”. Similarly, “Raavanan” is a romantic ode to waterfalls and perpetual rain in the verdant jungles where this epic tale unfolds. Arivazhagan’s 2009 horror-thriller “Eeram” emerges as another formidable candidate, capturing audiences with its melodic piece “Mazhaiye Mazhaiye”.
Further bolstering Bollywood’s rainy oeuvre, Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Kaminey”, Mohit Suri’s “Aashiqui 2”, and Anurag Basu’s “Life in a Metro” feature unforgettable rain sequences. Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” vividly captures the beauty and chaos entwined with Mumbai’s iconic monsoon.
In Malayalam cinema, Dileesh Pothan’s “Maheshinte Prathikaram” uses looming grey clouds and oncoming showers to mirror the state of Mahesh’s (Fahadh Faasil) romantic life, while in Padmarajan’s “Thoovanathumbikal”, rain serves as the ultimate symbol of love and passion; pouring every time Jayakrishnan (Mohanlal) meets or even thinks about his beloved.
These cinematic rain chronicles provoke an intriguing thought: who doesn’t love a good rain song? However, this delightful exploration merits its own separate discussion.
Join The Hindu cinema team every fortnight as they recommend films and shows aligned with a particular mood, theme, or pop cultural event. Published: October 26, 2024, 02:32 pm IST.
