'People react too quickly': Ramayana costume designers on backlash over saree-blouse looks

Lara Dutta backlash (Pics/X)

The trailer of Ramayana has received mixed reactions from audiences. While many praised the visuals and performances, Lara Dutta's look as Queen Kaikeyi sparked criticism online. Reacting to the backlash, costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula defended their creative choices. They said every costume was thoughtfully designed and urged people to watch the film before forming an opinion.

Ramayana costume designers on backlash for Kaikeyi's look

In an interview with The Times of India, Rimple Narula said, "An epic like Ramayana has lived in our collective consciousness for generations. There will always be opinions about the casting, costumes, visual effects, and what people believe is right or wrong. We were prepared for that. What has kept us grounded is our honesty towards our craft."

When asked about Sita's blouses, Rimple explained, "When I close my eyes and think of Goddess Sita, I don't think about archaeological authenticity. I wanted my Goddess, the one sitting in my mandir, to look like the image that has lived in my consciousness. That was a deliberate choice."

As for Lara Dutta's look, Harpreet Narula remarked, "The green in her costume represents motherhood, while the deep maroon reflects the emotional strength and darkness of the decision she has to make. She is torn between her own son and Ram. Every colour was chosen with intention. Sometimes people react too quickly before understanding the thought behind it. We want to appeal to viewers: Don't decide before you see it. Watch it, experience it, and then form your opinion."

Meanwhile, Rimple said, "There aren't preserved garments from that period that we can simply recreate. We've all grown up seeing calendar art, miniature paintings, temple imagery, and Raja Ravi Varma's interpretations. Ramayana itself has been interpreted differently across cultures and countries. This is our interpretation."

Internet reacts to Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi

Lara Dutta plays Queen Kaikeyi, the wife of King Dashrath and the stepmother of Lord Rama in the film. She is seen in two crucial scenes in the trailer. However, what caught the audience's attention was her costume. She seemed to be wearing a border saree, which many pointed out gave modern vibes. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) said Lara Dutta's styling looked too modern for a story set in the Treta Yuga.