Capturing the essence: Movies that showcase the richness of Indian culture on the silver screen

Anushka Shetty, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kriti Sanon

Indian cinema has long been a platform for celebrating the vibrant and intricate tapestry of Indian culture. From the magnificence of royal courts to the charm of traditional attires, several movies have beautifully showcased the richness and splendour of Indian culture on the silver screen. In this article, we delve into remarkable films – 'Bahubali: The Beginning', 'Jodha Akbar', 'Panipat', 'Padmaavat', 'Samrat Prithviraj' and 'Devdas' that not only captivate audiences with their compelling narratives but also dazzle them with their visual representation of traditional Indian attire.

Bahubali: The Beginning (2015)

Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, 'Bahubali: The Beginning' is an epic historical fantasy that narrates the saga of two warring brothers and their quest for power. The film features lavish sets, intricately designed costumes, and awe-inspiring jewellery. The attire and jewellery worn by the characters showcase the grandeur of ancient Indian kingdoms, with elaborate headpieces, ornate necklaces, and intricately crafted armlets. The movie captivates viewers with its meticulous attention to detail, immersing them in a world where royal culture and traditions shine.

Jodhaa Akbar (2008):

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, 'Jodhaa Akbar' is a historical romance that portrays the love story between Mughal Emperor Akbar (played by Hrithik Roshan) and Rajput Princess Jodhaa (played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). The film showcases the grandeur of the Mughal era with stunning costumes and regal jewellery. From intricately embroidered sherwanis to royal Rajputi poshaks, the movie presents a visual treat of rich attire. The exquisite jewellery, including maang tikkas, jhumkas, and necklaces, accentuates the characters' beauty and reflects the cultural richness of the time.

Panipat (2019)

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, 'Panipat' is a historical war drama based on the Third Battle of Panipat. The film provides a glimpse into the royal Maratha culture and the grandeur of the Peshwa era. The costumes in "Panipat" showcase the traditional Maratha attire, including the iconic Nauvari sarees for women and intricately designed angarkhas for men. The film also highlights the significance of jewellery in Maratha culture, with characters adorning traditional pieces like the nath (nose ring), bangles, and necklaces, adding an authentic touch to the portrayal of the period.

Padmavat (2018)

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Padmavat' is a period drama that tells the tale of Rajput queen Padmavati (played by Deepika Padukone) and the siege of Chittorgarh. The film showcases Rajput culture, traditional attire, and stunning jewellery. The costumes feature intricately designed lehengas, embroidered saris, and royal Rajputi poshaks. The jewellery in Padmavat is a visual spectacle, with elaborate maang tikkas, haath phools, chokers, and nose rings, reflecting the luxury and regality of the Rajput era.

Samrat Prithviraj (2022)

Directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, 'Samrat Prithviraj'.Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan, played by Akshay Kumar. The movie promises to showcase Rajput culture, traditional attire, and royal jewellery. While the details of the film are yet to be revealed, one can anticipate an extravagant visual representation of the Rajput era, with elaborate costumes and intricately crafted jewellery that reflects the magnificence of the time.

Devdas (2002)

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Devdas' is a tragic romantic drama based on the novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The film highlights the aristocratic culture of the early 20th century, particularly in Bengal. The costumes in "Devdas" blend traditional and colonial influences, featuring intricate Bengali sarees, dhotis, and European-inspired costumes. The jewellery adorning the characters is equally mesmerising, with elaborate necklaces, bangles, and headpieces showcasing the amalgamation of cultural influences during that period.

Through the masterful craftsmanship of directors and costume designers, these films have meticulously brought to life the luxury and grandeur of different historical periods, showcasing the heritage and traditions of India.