A press conference and reception was held at the Indian Consulate in NYC tonight to celebrate Santosh Sivan’s film Before the Rains, which is playing at the Tribeca Film Festival, and will open in New York on May 9th. You can see a trailer here.
The film stars Linus Roche, Nandita Das and Rahul Bose. All three were present tonight.
The movie is set in Sivan’s native Kerala, and takes place during the 1930s
Nandita Das has two films at the Tribeca Film Festival this year; the other is Ramchand Pakistani.
Please let me know more abut Ramchand Pakistani.
Filmiholic and Neelam, many thanks! I’ll try to track down your recommendations.
Neelam,
Great tip – thanks!
One of Nandita das’ memorable performances is in the 2001 Tamil movie “Azhagi” (means Beautiful Girl). She made her Tamil movie debut.
Here’s a review from The Hindu.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2002/01/18/stories/2002011801400202.htm
Pessimisissimo, you know, as I stopped to think about it, I realize that I have not seen that many of her films either. I have seen Fire and Earth, and one other film that I would highly recommend: Kannathil Muthamittal. She is not the lead in the film, but she is in an important role, and it’s also a great film of Mani Ratnam’s (the other actors in it are solid too).
Beyond that, I know she’s gotten a lot of praise for her role in Bawandar, so you might consider that one. I had wanted to see her as the lawyer in Provoked, but I’ve just not gotten around to it; maybe that’s another one to check out.
Also, keep your eyes out for a film called Ramchand Pakistani. It was also at the Tribeca Film Festival, and looks good on the trailer (but they ALL look good on the trailer, don’t they?). I haven’t had a chance to see it yet.
Filmiholic, I would pay money to watch Nandita Das read the phone book–I think she’s fabulously talented (and, from the few interviews I’ve read, very thoughtful as well). I confess that I’ve only seen her in Deepa Mehta’s Fire (1996) and Earth (1998)–do you have a particular recommendation of any of her other films?
V, thank you very much for the personal recommendations. I have seen Satya, Rangeela and DDLJ, I just haven’t written them up here on the blog. I bought quite a few of the others that you mention on my last trip back to Bombay. Am interested to see that you mentioned Ek chaalis ki last local, as I had heard it wasn’t that good. You must tell me what you liked about it….
Joseph, you’re welcome! I liked The Terrorist a lot and I think he’s a terribly gifted man also, and I will be putting up a review soon, but I have to admit that, as much as I love a lot of Sivan’s previous work, and he seems like a genuinely nice guy, I have reservations about Before the Rains.
Yes, indeed, that is the same Linus Roche, he of “Priest” fame, and also a blink-and-you-miss-him role in The Namesake, and now the DA on Law and Order.
It came out during the Q & A that he loves India and has been there many times. He made reference to something spiritual and/or the soul being able to breathe there (I think that’s the quote; don’t have my notes at hand). I confess I kinda started to do one of those laughs you have to cover up with a cough at that comment, as I find this “Western” notion that India has some corner on the market when it comes to all things spiritual rather funny. Which is not to say that the natural beauty of much of the country can’t inspire an almost sacred awe or wonder, but the whole firangi guru-yoga-ashram fetish gives me pause…but hey, I’m a devotee of 2.5-hour (and longer) colorful song and dance extravaganzas that often defy logic. 🙂
Oh wow Maria,
This looks great.Thank you for bringing this to attention! I’d never have known about this one otherwise.I’m a great admirer of Santosh Sivan’s work.I still think his ‘Terrorist’ is one of the best films ever been made in India. I’ll be sure to catch this one.
One more thing—Is Linus Roache(The lead actor in this film) the same guy who plays the D.A on Law & Order(My favortie TV show)
Just happened to get to your blog. You’re a true filmaholic 🙂
Some good, important hindi movies (not TOO old, and in no particular order) missing from your list are –
Masoom
Qayamat se Qayamat tak
Anjali
Waisa bhi hota hai – part 2
Halo
Chupke Chupke
Satya
Shiva
Angoor
Maine Pyaar Kiya
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
Rangeela
(the list can go on and on !!)
2006/7 must watch –
Samsara
Ek chaalis ki last local
Yatra
thats enough for now, have fun !