Ever since the trailer of Ramayana dropped, the film’s costumes have sparked intense discussion across social media, with viewers divided over the styling of key characters, especially Sai Pallavi’s Sita and Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi. While some questioned the visual choices and historical authenticity, others defended the team’s artistic approach. Addressing the ongoing debate, the film’s costume designers said they expected varied reactions to an adaptation of an epic that has been interpreted in countless ways over generations. They also explained that every design choice was made with a clear creative vision, balancing extensive research with cinematic storytelling for modern audiences.
Ramayana designers react to Sita and Kaikeyi looks
Since the release of Ramayana‘s trailer, the film’s costumes have become a major talking point online, with viewers debating the looks of Sai Pallavi‘s Sita and Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi. Addressing the criticism, the costume designers said they anticipated varied reactions, given the emotional connection audiences have with the epic.
Speaking to 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 surrounding Sita’s costume, they explained that the design was shaped by a deeply personal and devotional vision rather than a strict attempt at historical 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, adding that research provides the foundation for costume design, while interpretation is what ultimately brings the characters to life.
The designers also addressed the online discussion surrounding Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi, revealing that every element of the costume was chosen to reflect Kaikeyi’s emotional journey and inner conflict. Explaining the colour palette, they said, “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 concluded by urging audiences to experience the film before judging its creative choices. “There’s thought behind every thread. We want to appeal to viewers: don’t decide before you see it. Watch it, experience it and then form your opinion,” they added.
About Ramayana
Ramayana: Part 1 starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, will focus on Lord Rama’sformative years, his relationships, and the emotional core of the epic rather than the war. The film traces Rama’s journey from his Gurukul days and Sita Swayamvar to the 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshmana (Ravi Dubey). Part 1 will conclude on a major cliffhanger, setting the stage for the larger conflict and war explored in Part 2. Meanwhile, Part 1 and Part 2 will hit theatres in Diwali 2026 and 2027, respectively.