Ramayana Designers Defend Costumes Amid Criticism
Rimple & Harpreet, the costume designers for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, address social media backlash concerning outfits, including Sita's blouse.
The Cliff News | 5 August 2026
The acclaimed costume design duo Rimple & Harpreet have spoken out for the first time to address widespread criticism surrounding the outfits featured in the recent trailer for Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film, Ramayana. The designs, particularly those worn by Sai Pallavi as Sita and the controversial depiction of Surpanakha, have ignited a significant debate across social media platforms.
The online discourse has focused heavily on various aspects of the costumes, with Sita's blouse becoming a central point of contention. The perceived presence or absence of specific garment elements has drawn sharp reactions and numerous interpretations from viewers.
Addressing Design Choices
In an exclusive conversation with The Cliff News, Rimple & Harpreet detailed the meticulous thought process behind each stitch, silhouette, and styling choice for the epic film. They aimed to provide clarity and context to the public's strong reactions and to defend their artistic decisions.
The designers acknowledged the public's varied perspectives and stated their intention was to create costumes that respected the source material while also resonating with a contemporary audience. They emphasized that every design decision was made with careful consideration and a deep understanding of the narrative and characters.
Social Media Backlash
The unveiling of the Ramayana trailer saw a surge of comments and discussions, with many users specifically targeting the costume design. Opinions ranged from appreciation for the detailing to outright disapproval of certain stylistic choices. The debate underscores the high expectations audiences have for adaptations of such a culturally significant epic.
Specific mentions included the styling of Sai Pallavi's Sita, with her garments, especially her blouse, being a frequent topic. Similarly, Surpanakha's bandeau style attire also drew attention and commentary, highlighting a generation gap in how traditional elements are perceived and represented visually.