‘Ramayana’ faces online backlash over ‘modern’ costume design in trailer
Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ has found itself at the centre of an unexpected online storm, with the film’s costume design drawing sustained criticism across social platforms since the trailer’s release. Viewers have questioned the styling choices for key characters, arguing that the looks resemble contemporary television mythological dramas rather than a big‑budget cinematic epic positioned as one of the year’s most anticipated titles.
Much of the debate has centred on Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita, with users calling the blouse design “too modern” and noting that the overall silhouette lacks the gravitas expected from a period interpretation of the Treta Yuga. Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi look has also gone viral for the wrong reasons, with memes comparing her styling to daily‑soap aesthetics rather than a regal queen. The conversation has dominated X and Instagram, where costume stills have been dissected frame‑by‑frame.
Designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula have responded to the backlash, stating that the costumes were built on creative interpretation rather than archaeological accuracy. They noted that no preserved garments from the era exist, making every adaptation inherently speculative. The duo also highlighted the symbolic choices behind Kaikeyi’s palette – green for motherhood and maroon for emotional conflict — emphasising that the design language was crafted to support character arcs rather than replicate historical dress.
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Despite the criticism, industry observers say the conversation has amplified awareness around the film ahead of release, with the trailer continuing to generate strong engagement metrics. The makers are expected to maintain their current promotional strategy, positioning ‘Ramayana’ as a prestige production with a contemporary visual approach.
