For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

I personally like Rahul Bose movies a good actor. The movie starts in British India where a Sahib dreams of making some cash through the cashcrops in kerala. He has a girl working at his place and they are in love with each other. The romantic scene in water is good and Nandita definitely looks HAWT in there. SAjani is being forced to marry against here will is in mad love with this sahib who later leaver her alone when his child and wife comes back to country. Sajanis husband finds out and beats her. She makes a rescue and an attempt to live with sahib who turns her down. Depressed sajani shots herself at TK(rahul bose) place. Sahib with help of TK drowns her. Villagers later find out her body.A tragedy film. Rahul bose has acted well in his serious role. There you get to see a bit of rural India and the old custom. The LIE DETECTOR test of rural India ... watch it to get it.

Santosh Sivan has already made a name for himself as an established cinematographer. With 'The Terrorist' he proved to be a competent director. Now comes another sensational directorial ventures, 'Before the Rains'. Visually, it's a feast for the eyes. Sivan's way of capturing the beauty and atmosphere of the natural rainforest setting as he stresses on the details to each and every one of his shots is simply amazing. The intriguing premise of the story is derived of a novel concept. Sivan sensibly tackles themes such as love, class distinction, despair, guilt and betrayal and layers them well within the story and characters. He never goes over the top as he wonderfully manages to keep a low tone. Just when one would think the story would turn towards a predictable path, Sivan throws a surprising turn while staying true to the film. He extracts some incredible performances from his principle cast that includes Linus Roache, Rahul Bose, Nandita Das and Jennifer Ehle. Overall, Santosh Sivan has improved as a director and continues to be a superb cinematographer. It's definitely a much better movie than 'Asoka'. I would like to see this director make more such films rather than opt for the usual loud Bollywood masala like 'Asoka'.

I had seen this in my local DVD rental story and was waiting my turn to see it, convinced that it would be worth it. Frankly, I found it long winded and tedious. The main character has taken advantage of the local woman and she is besotted with him, convinced that he will 'save' her from everything, abandon his lifestyle, family and wealth for her. all this in a time when Indians are wanting India for themselves - odd that. I found it hard to be sympathetic to those two to start with - as a previous reviewer has noted, some of their actions were just unbelievable. The acting however, is very good, very convincing and my heart went out to TK (the real hero) and the planter's wife, who were both victims here. The scenery is stunning, the skies alone make it worth the dollars spent to watch it, but alas the story comes to an unsatisfactory ending, one is left wondering what will become of the real hero, and not really caring much about any of the others. I am sure it was a product of its time, that this situation arises wherever there are masters and servants, but you can't make a hero out of a cad, however brilliant an actor he is.

I would not call this a film of love and longing at all. The situation is set up in the opening scenes, then it becomes a story of hard realities with no good choices and no happy endings in the disintegrating Raj. The setting is tribal India, not often depicted in literature or film. Beautiful as one might expect from a Merchant Ivory production; intelligent writing and acting. Rahul Bose's character and acting are especially notable. The arrogant Englishman doesn't come off well in this serious drama. The literary term "naturalism" comes to mind. The characters have no control over forces stronger than themselves, thus the metaphor of the monsoon rains.