Undoubtedly, Sanjay Leela Bhansali stands as one of the most talented and forward-thinking directors in Bollywood. He excels at crafting elaborate movie worlds that merge extravagance with genuine storytelling. No filmmaker can match his skill in shifting viewers across different eras seamlessly. His movies break barriers of era and style, featuring indelible characters, profound feelings, and intricate plots.
An essential aspect of his narrative technique lies in costume design—each outfit has historical roots, is crafted with great attention to detail, and carries symbolic weight. Whether it's from "Devdas" to "Padmaavat," or "Bajirao Mastani" to "Heeramandi," Bhansali’s costumes go beyond dressing up characters; they bring forth a sense of history, regality, and enduring sophistication.
Heeramandi
In Heeramandi , each outfit, ranging from Manisha Koirala’s to Sonakshi Sinha’s and extending to those worn by the male and supporting actors, was designed with remarkable attention to detail and accuracy. This immersive approach seamlessly took audiences back in time, capturing an aura of sophistication, strength, and deep cultural heritage.
Bajirao Mastani
In "Bajirao Mastani," Sanjay Leela Bhansali designed each garment with remarkable precision, taking viewers back to the Maratha period. Whether it was Ranveer Singh’s battle dress or Priyanka Chopra’s classic portrayal of Kashibai and Deepika Padukone’s majestic costumes, every piece reflected historical grace and accuracy.
Padmaavat
In "Padmaavat," the director made sure that every costume conveyed a sense of royalty and historical accuracy. Whether it was Deepika's majestic lehengas during the Ghoomar sequence, Shahid Kapoor's noble Rajput garments, or Ranveer Singh's rugged and intense outfits, each piece of clothing precisely mirrored both the time period and the core narrative of the film.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
In "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela," the director crafted Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s attire to be both lively and steeped in tradition. Every costume beautifully complemented the movie’s vivid and theatrical backdrop, amplifying the intensity, cultural richness, and passionate fervor of the storyline.
Devdas
In "Devdas," the attire worn by Madhuri Dixit, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was both classic and memorable. Whether draped in opulent sarees or adorned with detailed sherwanis, every costume aptly captured the period and sentiments, enhancing the movie’s poignant love narrative through visually compelling storytelling.