Metrodome Distribution has taken all UK rights to Santosh Sivan's Before The Rains from Maximum Films and Echo Lake Entertainment.

The deal was brokered by Charlotte Mickie of Maximum, Doug Mankoff of Echo Lake, and Metrodome's Peter Urie, Sara Frain and Kate Edwards.

Metrodome is planning a summer 2008 release. The English-language film, presented by Merchant Ivory, is set in 1930s southern India when a young idealistic Indian man learns of an affair between his British boss (Linus Roache) and a local woman (Nandita Das).

Roadside Attractions is releasing the film in the US, Rialto in Australia and NZ, Videovision in South Africa and Smile in Scandinavia.

Sara Frain from Metrodome said: 'Before The Rains is a visually arresting tale of passion and intrigue. We are delighted to be collaborating once again with Doug and the team at Echo Lake and with Charlotte at Maximum to bring this wonderful film to a UK audience'

Metrodome also handled Echo Lake titles Water by Deepa Mehta and Away From Her by Sarah Polley. Echo Lake's Doug Mankoff said: 'We are delighted to continue the relationship and to have another film in their capable hands.'