Ramayana’s Visual World Under Spotlight: Designers Defend Sai Pallavi and Lara Dutta’s Looks

Ramayana designers respond to criticism over Sai Pallavi’s Sita and Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi looks

IIE DIGITAL: The recently released trailer of Ramayana has sparked widespread discussions, with the film’s costume choices becoming a major talking point on social media. While some viewers questioned the styling of certain characters, particularly Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita, others shared reactions and memes around Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi look. Amid the growing conversation, the film’s costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula opened up about the creative process behind the visual representation of these iconic characters.

The designers revealed that they were aware that a project as culturally significant as Ramayana would invite varied opinions. Rimple explained that debates around casting, costumes, visual effects and interpretations were expected because the epic has been deeply connected with people’s beliefs and imagination for generations.

According to the designer, their focus remained on staying honest to their artistic vision while creating a fresh cinematic interpretation of characters that have been represented in numerous ways over time.

Addressing the criticism surrounding Sita’s attire, Rimple clarified that the costume design was a deliberate creative decision rather than an attempt at historical recreation. She shared that her vision of Goddess Sita was influenced by the imagery and emotions that have existed in her own cultural consciousness.

The designers also highlighted that costume creation for a mythological epic requires a balance between research and imagination. Since there are no preserved garments from the era of the Ramayana, the team drew inspiration from various artistic traditions, including calendar art, miniature paintings, temple visuals and iconic depictions by artists like Raja Ravi Varma.

They further explained that the epic itself has been interpreted differently across regions and cultures, and the film represents the makers’ own artistic perspective while bringing these legendary characters to the big screen.