The costume designers of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana have addressed the online debate over Sai Pallavi’s Sita and Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi looks. They explained that every costume was created after extensive research and careful planning, while also allowing room for artistic interpretation and a fresh visual approach to the epic. Ever since the trailer of Ramayana was released, the film’s costumes have become a major topic of discussion on social media.
Netizens have especially debated the looks of Sai Pallavi’s Sita and Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi. While some criticised the styling and questioned its historical authenticity, others supported the filmmakers’ creative interpretation.
Responding to the controversy, the costume designers said they expected different opinions because Ramayana has been adapted and interpreted in many ways across generations. They added that every costume was designed with a clear artistic vision, combining detailed research with the demands of cinematic storytelling to connect with contemporary audiences worldwide.
Ramayana Designers Break Silence on Sita and Kaikeyi’s Looks
Since the release of Ramayana’s trailer, the film’s costumes have sparked widespread online discussion, especially the looks of Sai Pallavi’s Sita and Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi. Responding to the criticism, the costume designers said they expected mixed reactions because audiences share a deep emotional connection with the epic and its characters. In an interview with The Times of India, they 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.”
Responding to criticism over Sita’s costume, the designers said it was created from a deeply personal and devotional perspective, focusing on emotional connection rather than strict historical accuracy or recreation. “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,” they said. Research forms the foundation of costume design, while interpretation ultimately breathes life into characters, shaping their visual identity.
The designers also addressed the online discussion around Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi, saying every costume detail reflected her emotional journey and inner conflict. They explained that the colour palette was carefully chosen to mirror Kaikeyi’s evolving emotions, struggles, and complex transformation throughout the story. “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.”
They urged audiences to watch the film before judging its creative decisions. The designers said every costume detail was thoughtfully crafted and requested viewers not to form opinions based only on the trailer. They encouraged everyone to experience the film first and then decide whether the artistic choices truly work on screen.
About Ramayana movie
Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Instead of focusing on the epic war, the film explores Rama’s early life, relationships, and emotional journey. The story follows his time in the Gurukul, Sita Swayamvar, and the 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshmana, played by Ravi Dubey. The first installment will end with a major cliffhanger, preparing audiences for the larger conflict and battle that unfold in Part 2. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, while Part 2 will arrive in theatres during Diwali 2027.