Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat Re-Releases: Costumes, Craft, and Cinematic Excellence

This February 6th promises to be a spectacular one with the re release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand period drama, Padmavaat. Starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, the film had already generated immense buzz, particularly for its exquisite costumes. While Deepika’s regal ensembles as Padmavati had captured attention, the looks of Ranveer and Shahid were equally striking.

In Padmavaat, Ranveer Singh takes on the role of the formidable Sultan Alauddin Khilji, while Shahid Kapoor portrays the noble Rajput king, Rawal Ratan Singh. To ensure their attires authentically reflect their characters, Bhansali enlisted the expertise of a brand co-founded by artist Vipul Amar and psychologist Harsheen Arora.

Arora, who played a key role in designing the war costumes for the climactic battle between Khilji and Ratan Singh, emphasized the importance of symbolism in their outfits. “Ratan Singh embodied nobility and honor, whereas Khilji was driven by conquest and power. Their costumes had to visually communicate these traits,” she explained.

Color choices were particularly significant in distinguishing the two warriors. Shahid’s armor features red and gold, with red representing honor and dedication to one’s land, while gold signifies courage, generosity, and passion. His chest plate, crafted from sculpted vintage leather fused with metal, exudes strength, while geometric leather patterns in the lower half pay homage to the Rajput preference for structured designs over floral motifs.

On the other hand, Khilji’s costume is designed to highlight his menacing aura, with lion motifs incorporated into his armor to enhance the character’s intensity.

With its grand scale, stellar performances, and meticulous detailing, Padmavaat is set to be one of the most anticipated re releases of the year.