Ramayana Costumes: Modern Outfits Spark Debate

Costume designers for the upcoming film Ramayana: Part 1 have addressed public criticism concerning the modern appearance of characters such as Sita and Kaikeyi. The designers, Rimple and Harpreet Narulah, known for their work on other period dramas, anticipated scrutiny over the styling choices.

They explained that designing costumes for an epic deeply ingrained in public consciousness requires a blend of research and interpretation. As there are no extant garments from the Treta Yuga, designers relied on various artistic depictions and personal imagery to craft the characters' looks. Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita, for instance, was influenced by the traditional imagery Indians hold of the goddess.

Furthermore, the designers highlighted the intentionality behind Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi costumes. The chosen color palette, including green for motherhood and deep maroon for emotional conflict, was designed to reflect the character's complex journey and difficult decisions. They urged audiences to experience the film's visual treatment before forming judgments.

Ramayana: Part 1 is an adaptation of Valmiki's Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. The film features a prominent cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Arun Govil. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it is scheduled to be released during Diwali 2026.