Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part 1 has made a strong start at the box office, collecting an estimated Rs. 664 crore worldwide within its first five days. Its performance has also set new benchmarks. On 9 November, the film recorded the biggest first-Monday collection by an Indian film, surpassing the previous record held by Dhurandhar 2. It also outperformed the post-Diwali collection record previously held by Salman Khan's Tiger 3.
While the film's scale, performances and visual effects have attracted attention, another aspect of its production deserves a closer look: its costumes.
From handmade armour created by artisans in Assam to Yash's elaborate Ravana outfits weighing up to 33 kg, the costume department spent years bringing the characters of the epic to life.
Here's how the looks of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash were created.
Ranbir Kapoor's Armour Has An Assam Connection
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, while Ravie Dubey portrays Lakshman. Their armour was handcrafted by 15 artisans from Jania Banglipara village in Assam's Barpeta district, led by master craftsman Jaynal Abdin.
Over three-and-a-half years, they created 30 to 35 pieces with costume designer Ajay Kumar. After cane proved too rigid and restricted neck and shoulder movements, they combined it with rubber for flexibility.
The artisans received designs through local organisation Gram Unnayan but were not told the project was for Ramayana. They worked through repeated measurements, corrections and fittings, often fulfilling short-notice requests according to the shooting schedule.
They discovered the project's identity only after the film's release on 5 November 2026.
Yash's Ravana Look Came With A 33 Kg Challenge
Costume designer Saniya Sardhariya revealed that most of Yash's Ravana outfits, including jewellery, weighed 16 to 20 kg.
Some elaborate looks, including his Lanka and wedding outfits and the costume for Surpanakha's wedding, weighed 30 to 33 kg.
His crown alone weighed 1.8 kg. The team created several 3D mock-ups to finalise its design and repeatedly tried to reduce its weight but could not make it lighter.
The crown, chest plate and shoulder structures also restricted Yash's movements. He often had to remove costume pieces between shots.
The team had to ensure the elaborate outfits did not interfere with his performance, especially during scenes involving movement.
How Ravana's Jewellery Brought His World To Life
Sardhariya said the team blurred the line between jewellery and armour. The metal armour was made separately and embellished with intricate motifs by Amrapali's jewellery team.
Both teams worked independently before combining the pieces, requiring coordination to match their designs and measurements.
The jewellery reflected Ravana's devotion to Lord Shiva, with serpent and trident motifs. Sardhariya also drew on Sri Lankan architecture for her research.
What Went Into Dressing The Other Characters?
Ranbir's Lord Rama had a restrained look, while Lanka's costumes featured richer fabrics, velvet and elaborate embroidery.
For Sita, played by Sai Pallavi, designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula drew on traditional textiles, embroidery and historical imagery. They used earthy shades, lotus pinks and floral motifs to reflect her connection with nature and her royal background as Princess of Janak.
Her wedding look featured a handwoven Banarasi silk saree with gold embroidery.
Hundreds of craftspeople, including artisans and jewellery specialists, worked on the film's visual details. The designers said their team created thousands of jewellery pieces.
From Assam's cane artisans to the teams behind the crowns, embroidery and jewellery, the film brought together diverse crafts. The costumes also distinguished Ayodhya from Lanka and reflected different stages of the story.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
How much has Ramayana earned at the box office?
The film collected approximately Rs. 664 crore worldwide within its first five days, according to reports published on 10 November 2026.
Who designed the costumes for Ramayana?
Rimple and Harpreet Narula worked on the film's overall costume design, while Ajay Kumar worked on armour design. Saniya Sardhariya designed Yash's elaborate Ravana looks.
How long did it take to make Ranbir Kapoor's armour?
Fifteen artisans from Jania Banglipara in Assam's Barpeta district spent three-and-a-half years creating 30 to 35 pieces of cane-and-rubber armour.
How much did Yash's Ravana costumes weigh?
Most weighed between 16 and 20 kg, while some elaborate outfits weighed between 30 and 33 kg.
How much did Ravana's crown weigh?
Yash's crown weighed 1.8 kg despite several attempts to make it lighter.
What was used to create Sita's wedding outfit?
Sai Pallavi's wedding outfit was a handwoven Banarasi silk saree featuring gold embroidery.
