Designers respond to trolling over Sai Pallavi, Lara Dutta’s looks in Ramayana

The costume designers of the upcoming film Ramayana have responded to criticism and online trolling over the looks of Sai Pallavi as Sita and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi.

Since the trailer was released, the film’s costumes have become a major topic of discussion on social media. While some viewers questioned the modern styling of certain characters, others posted memes comparing Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi with characters from popular television serials.

Costume designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula said they had expected different reactions to their work, given the cultural importance of the Ramayana.

“We knew conversations and comparisons were inevitable. An epic like the Ramayana has lived in our collective consciousness for generations,” Rimple said.

She said viewers would naturally have different opinions about the casting, costumes and visual effects.

“What has kept us grounded is our honesty towards our craft,” she said.

Why Sita’s costume was designed that way
Rimple also explained the thinking behind Sita’s blouse, which has drawn criticism online.

She said the design was a deliberate choice based on her personal understanding of Sita rather than an attempt to recreate historical or archaeological clothing.

“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,” she said.

Symbolism behind Kaikeyi’s look
Harpreet, meanwhile, explained the thought behind Kaikeyi’s costume, which has also faced criticism online.

He said the colours were chosen to represent different aspects of the character.

“The green in her costume represents motherhood, while the deep maroon reflects the emotional strength and darkness of the decision she has to make,” he said.

He added that Kaikeyi is caught between her own son and Rama, and every colour in her costume was selected for a reason.

“Sometimes people react too quickly before understanding the thought behind it,” he said.

Harpreet urged viewers to watch the film before reaching a final judgment about its visual choices.

“This is our attempt to make an ancient epic speak visually to a new generation. There's thought behind every thread,” he said.

“We want to appeal to viewers: don't decide before you see it. Watch it, experience it and then form your opinion.”

The Ramayana trailer was released on July 30.

The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana. Arun Govil plays King Dasharatha, Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh plays Shurpanakha, Shobana plays Kaikesi and Vivek Oberoi plays Vidyutjihva.

Jatayu also appears in the trailer.

However, Sunny Deol’s Hanuman, along with characters such as Bharat, Shatrughan and Kausalya, does not appear in the trailer.