Monsoon Magic: Unleashing love, valour and real identity; the unusual combination of spills and thrills

Rainy scenes in films have often been associated with romance for a long time. Be it some of the timeless classics made in different languages by legendary filmmakers or a few run-of-the-mill commercial blockbusters that set the cash registers ringing at the box office, monsoon season and passionate love always went hand-in-hand.

But not much has been said about the magic that unfolds when heavy rains meet action sequences. Some of the well-shot stunt episodes, featuring big stars in different languages, are complemented by rain fury. Check out a few such popular sequences in Tamil cinema which sent film buffs into a tizzy.        

Thalapathi

The iconic introduction of Superstar Rajinikanth from the ever popular Mani Ratnam film needs no introduction. The actor's character Suriya appears after an emotional sequence that features his mother remembering her long lost son and wondering where he would be. Rajini's sudden entry with a close-up shot accompanied by heavy rain in the background still gives goosebumps. The pulsating background score by Ilaiyaraaja is the icing on the cake. This sequence in Thalapathi (streaming on YouTube, MX Player and Amazon Prime Video) conveys the character's rage, daringness and callousness towards wrongdoers in society.

Kaala

Another notable rain fight sequence featuring Rajinikanth is from Pa Ranjith's Kaala (streaming on Amazon Prime Video) which was released a few years ago. The scene in which Karikalan (Rajini) and his gang assassinate Vishnu (Sampath), an MLA who is infamous for notorious activities, is considered one of the best whistle-worthy scenes of the Superstar in recent times. The staging of the stunt scene which is set in a flyover in Mumbai, the inimitable swag of the star and Santhosh Narayanan's music make it a repeat-worthy sequence. What makes it a wholesome experience is the heavy rainfall that lashes the city when the attack happens.

Singam 2

Hari's Singam 2 (streaming on YouTube), the second installment of the Singam franchise which became popular across south Indian film buffs, has an action scene in the latter half, featuring Durai Singam (Suriya) and a few goons who visit the former's home to finish him off. Clad in a white shirt and veshti, Singam who expected their arrival, is well prepared to give them a taste of their own medicine. What unfolds is one of the best fight scenes in the franchise involving sickles, cleavers and other sharp weapons. Devi Sri Prasad's score and the ambience owing to heavy rainfall make the episode quite engaging.

Viswasam

Ajith-starrer Viswasam (streaming on Amazon Prime Video) had one of the most engrossing action episodes in Kollywood intriguingly accompanied by a heavy rainfall. Thooku Durai (Ajith), a village ruffian from south Tamil Nadu, moves to Mumbai to save his daughter whose life is in trouble. The interval sequence, involving him and a few machete wielding goons, is an ideal combination of heroism and father's unconditional love. The neatly choreographed action, elevated by Imman's music and impressive making by Siva by infusing apt emotions, is a treat to watch.

Theri

This crucial rain fight sequence from Atlee's Theri (streaming on Sun NXT) still remains one of the favourite of Vijay fans. The scene is also the most crucial episode in the movie where Vijaya Kumar (Vijay), a baker by profession, reveals his real identity after he takes on a few baddies who dare to attack his daughter. GV Prakash Kumar's background score, flawless stunt choreography and the staging created a magic despite the predictable nature of the scene, making it one of the celebrated transformation scenes in the history of Tamil cinema.