From ‘Vaishali’ to ‘Mouna Ragam’: When rain became a character in films

Rain has played a unique role in majority of the films all over the world. While it mostly appears as part of the narrative many filmmakers have used it as a storytelling device that influences characters and events.In films such as ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘Seven Samurai’, rain added depth to key scenes and became an important part of the narrative experience.In South Indian cinema especially rain has often carried meanings beyond its natural form.

‘Vaishali’

Among the finest examples is Vaishali, directed by Bharathan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. Set in the drought-stricken kingdom of Anga the film revolves around a desperate attempt to bring rain back to the land.The kingdom’s future depends on the arrival of Rishyasringa who is a sage. He is believed to have the power to end the devastating drought. Vaishali is given the task of bringing him to the kingdom.Throughout the film the absence of rain symbolizes suffering and helplessness. The people wait for relief. The land remains barren. When rain finally arrives, it transforms the fate of the kingdom. The song ‘Dum dum dum dundubhinaadam’ is one of the best dance sequences shot in rain, in Mollywood.Based on a story from the Mahabharata, the film remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated mythological dramas.

‘Perumazhakalam’

Kamal’s ‘Perumazhakalam’ presents rain in a different way. The monsoon shows the emotional struggles of the characters.The story follows Raziya and Ganga. Both the characters navigate grief, guilt, forgiveness, and difficult choices. As hinted in the title itself, the constant rainfall becomes a visual representation of the pain which is carried by the characters.The emotional drama has Meera Jasmine, Kavya Madhavan, Dileep, Vineeth, and Biju Menon in the lead roles. The film got praises from the critics and audiences for its sensitive storytelling and performances.

‘Alaipayuthey’ and ‘Mouna Ragam’

Mani Ratnam has frequently used rain as an impactful cinematic tool.Rain is associated closely with the feelings of young love in ‘Alaipayuthey’. The story is about a couple. They go from love to marriage and face the challenges of life together. Rain strikes at many important moments. The emotional drama features R Madhavan, Shalini, Vivek, Jayasudha and Swarnamalya in key roles.Mani Ratnam’s other classic ‘Mouna Ragam’ uses rain to express the emotions that are left unexpressed. The film’s story is about Divya. She finds it hard to balance her past with her present life. The film features Revathi, Mohan, Karthik and others in main roles.