Ramayana Designers React to Trolling Over Sai Pallavi's Sita, Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi Looks: 'Don't Judge Before Watching the Film'
Nitesh Tiwari's much-awaited mythological epic Ramayana has sparked massive discussion online following the release of its promotional material. While many fans praised the film's scale and visual ambition, several social media users criticized the costume designs of Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, and Lara Dutta, who portrays Queen Kaikeyi.
Amid the growing debate, acclaimed costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula have finally addressed the trolling, defending their creative choices and urging audiences not to judge the film based on a few stills or promotional visuals.
The duo emphasized that their goal was to present an interpretation rooted in ancient Indian aesthetics while also making the characters visually relatable to modern audiences. They explained that audiences are currently seeing isolated images without understanding the complete visual storytelling or character arcs.
Several users questioned Sita's costume, particularly the blouse design, arguing that it appeared different from traditional depictions in earlier adaptations. Meanwhile, Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi attracted criticism for her hairstyle and styling, with some internet users comparing her appearance to characters from contemporary television serials rather than an ancient queen.
Memes and comments quickly spread across social media, with many debating whether the film had modernized the iconic characters too much.
They explained that costume design is closely connected with cinematography, lighting, performances and narrative context. A still image, they argued, cannot fully represent how the costumes will appear on the big screen.
Rimple and Harpreet added that every creative decision was made in collaboration with director Nitesh Tiwari and the production team to serve the story authentically rather than recreate previous adaptations frame by frame.
They maintained that innovation and authenticity can coexist, adding that audiences should evaluate the complete artistic vision instead of isolated promotional images.
Ramayana Continues to Generate Massive Buzz
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi.
Despite the online debates surrounding its costumes and casting, the film remains one of the most anticipated Indian releases. The discussions have only increased public curiosity, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the legendary epic is brought to life on the big screen.
Amid the growing debate, acclaimed costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula have finally addressed the trolling, defending their creative choices and urging audiences not to judge the film based on a few stills or promotional visuals.
Designers Say the Costumes Were Created After Extensive Research
Speaking about the criticism, Rimple and Harpreet Narula revealed that they anticipated varied reactions because Ramayana is an emotional and culturally significant story for millions of Indians. According to the designers, every costume in the film has been developed after extensive historical, cultural and artistic research rather than being based solely on popular television adaptations.The duo emphasized that their goal was to present an interpretation rooted in ancient Indian aesthetics while also making the characters visually relatable to modern audiences. They explained that audiences are currently seeing isolated images without understanding the complete visual storytelling or character arcs.
Why Sai Pallavi's Sita and Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi Were Criticised
The controversy primarily erupted after promotional images of Sai Pallavi as Sita and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi surfaced online.Several users questioned Sita's costume, particularly the blouse design, arguing that it appeared different from traditional depictions in earlier adaptations. Meanwhile, Lara Dutta's Kaikeyi attracted criticism for her hairstyle and styling, with some internet users comparing her appearance to characters from contemporary television serials rather than an ancient queen.
Memes and comments quickly spread across social media, with many debating whether the film had modernized the iconic characters too much.
'Don't Decide Before You See the Film'
Responding to the online reactions, the designers urged viewers to reserve judgment until they watch the complete film.They explained that costume design is closely connected with cinematography, lighting, performances and narrative context. A still image, they argued, cannot fully represent how the costumes will appear on the big screen.
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Rimple and Harpreet added that every creative decision was made in collaboration with director Nitesh Tiwari and the production team to serve the story authentically rather than recreate previous adaptations frame by frame.
A New Interpretation of an Ancient Epic
The designers also acknowledged that every generation has its own visual memory of the Ramayana. While Ramanand Sagar's television adaptation remains iconic, the upcoming film aims to introduce the epic to a new generation through a fresh cinematic language.They maintained that innovation and authenticity can coexist, adding that audiences should evaluate the complete artistic vision instead of isolated promotional images.
Ramayana Continues to Generate Massive Buzz
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi.
Despite the online debates surrounding its costumes and casting, the film remains one of the most anticipated Indian releases. The discussions have only increased public curiosity, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the legendary epic is brought to life on the big screen.
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