Mumbai: Actor Yash’s transformation into Ravana in the upcoming film Ramayana involved elaborate costumes, some of which weighed as much as 33 kg.
The film’s costume designer has now shared details about the intricate outfits, including the actor’s crown, which alone weighed 1.8 kg.
Speaking about Yash’s transformation into Ravana, costume stylist and designer Saniya Sardhariya revealed that his costumes typically weighed between 16 and 20 kg, including the jewellery. On certain occasions, however, the weight went up to 30–33 kg.
“Most of the costumes used to weigh around 16 to 20 kg, including the jewellery. But we had a few heavy pieces, like the Ravana look associated with Lanka, his wedding costume, and the costume he wore for Surpanakha’s wedding. Those were close to 30–33 kg, if I remember correctly,” Saniya was quoted as saying by India Today.
Speaking about the challenges of creating the look, Saniya said the crown proved particularly difficult to design.
Despite several attempts to reduce its weight, the final version still weighed 1.8 kg.
“I think the most difficult part was wearing the crown because any amount of weight on your head feels very restrictive and heavy. So, we experimented a lot with the idea. We had so many mock 3D crowns made, and we ensured that we got the design right first. Then we started reverse-engineering it to see how we could make it lighter and lighter. But I don’t think we could go any lighter than 1.8 kg. That was the best we could do, and even that felt like a lot. You don’t see that in his expressions or anything like that, but it was quite a task,” she said.
The elaborate costumes also restricted Yash’s movements, making the experience physically demanding. However, the actor took the discomfort in his stride and often kept the team entertained.
Saniya recalled that Yash soon realised how exhausting the experience could be.
He would playfully use the sharp elements of his costume to tease the team, turning the inconvenience into a source of amusement.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
Produced by Namit Malhotra, the film features music by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
The two-part saga will begin with its first instalment during Diwali 2026, while the second part is expected to release in 2028.