Our Bureau
Mumbai
The costume designers of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana have responded to widespread criticism over the looks of Sai Pallavi as Sita and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, urging audiences to reserve judgment until they watch the film in its entirety.
Design duo Rimple and Harpreet Narula addressed the debate after the film’s trailer sparked intense discussion online, with many social media users calling Sita’s attire “too modern” and questioning Kaikeyi’s maroon costume and blouse design. The designers said there is little archaeological or historical evidence detailing clothing, making it necessary to rely on extensive research, artistic interpretation and the emotional essence of the epic rather than definitive visual references.
The designers explained that every costume was conceptualised to reflect the personality, journey and emotional depth of each character. Kaikeyi’s rich maroon palette, they said, was deliberately chosen to represent her layered personality, strength and royal stature, while the overall visual language of the film balances authenticity with cinematic storytelling. They added that criticism was anticipated given the cultural and religious significance of the Ramayana, but maintained that the costumes were created with utmost respect for the source material.
The trailer has otherwise received praise for its scale, visual effects and performances, although the costume design has emerged as one of the most debated aspects of the film. Online discussions have centred on whether the styling aligns with popular perceptions of the ancient epic, with several viewers comparing the looks to contemporary fashion and television serials.
Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, is among the most anticipated Indian films of the year.