Costume design is a critical aspect of filmmaking that can make or break the success of a movie. It’s a fascinating field that requires a deep understanding of character development, visual storytelling, and historical context. In an exclusive interview with Hauterrfly we had the pleasure of speaking with designer, Neeta Lulla, about her creative process while designing and styling the looks for Samantha Ruth Prabhu the lead characters in the movie Shaakuntalam. Neeta Lulla shares her insights on how she balances historical accuracy with modern aesthetics, incorporates the character’s personalities into their costumes, and creates a cohesive vision that complements the story and the script.
1. Can You Tell Us About Your Creative Process While Designing The Looks For The Lead Characters In The Movie?
Gunasekhar approached me for Shaakuntalam and I was thrilled. We grew up with the classic fairytale and now we get to bring it to life on screen. We work collaboratively to create character looks that complement the story and the script. It’s a creative process, but working closely with the actors helps. That’s how we approach designing the looks for the lead characters.
2. What Was Your Primary Goal While Designing Costumes For Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Character, Shakuntala?
Well, the director had a very clear vision for the film. He wanted it to be beautiful and for every character to look and exude beauty. So, our primary goal was to make sure that Samantha’s character, Shakuntala, looked the part, and we applied this approach to every character in the film.
3. How Did You Balance Historical Accuracy With Modern Aesthetics While Designing The Costumes? We’re There Any Challenges?
Designing costumes is a beautiful process for me, and even the challenges become smoother when approached with that mindset. When working on a story from the fifth century, historical accuracy is crucial, but my goal is to enhance the audience’s vision of the characters. Ultimately, the decision to follow a realistic or modern approach is up to the designer and director and we followed a beautiful realistic approach.
Also Read: Shaakuntalam Review: All That Screen Time And Very Little Samantha Ruth Prabhu Made It An Epic Fail
4. How Did You Incorporate The Character’s Personalities And Traits Into Their Costumes?
We draw inspiration from the story and script to create a rough look for the characters, which we refine with input from the actors. We continue to explore and improve the creative process throughout, making tweaks and adjustments as needed to best match the character’s traits and personalities.
5. Can You Talk About The Colour Palette You Chose For The Costumes, And What Influenced Your Decision?
Certainly, the colour palette for the costumes was chosen with consideration to the geographical locations of the villages. There was a clear differentiation in the colour palette for the ashram worn by characters from the South versus those from the North, which is evident in the movie. Additionally, the terrain also played a role in the selection of colours. As for the character Shakuntala, we initially gave her a soft and pretty flower child look, but as the story progresses and she becomes pregnant, her appearance shifts to reflect a colder, more mature demeanour. Overall, the choice of the colour palette was influenced by a combination of factors such as geography and character development.
6. Can You Tell Us About The Accessories You Used To Complement The Costumes, And What Inspired Them?
Sure, when the narration for the movie was happening, I would immediately start sketching based on the scene-by-scene explanation given to me by the director. By that point, I would have already read the script and had a good understanding of the film. As the director explained each scene, I would sketch out the jewellery or other accessories that came to mind, such as the ash worn by the characters. I didn’t specially design all of the jewellery, but rather curated pieces to create the desired look. I drew inspiration from various sources and combined different pieces to achieve the desired characterization. You’ll notice that there is a lot of intricately designed jewellery in the movie, and this is how I came up with the overall look. It was all about creating a vision that complemented the costumes and helped to bring the characters to life.
7. Can You Tell Us About The Most Memorable Costume You Created For The Movie?
Each and every character in the movie was memorable to me, whether it was Dushyanta or Shakuntala or any other character. I believe that it’s not just about creating an outfit for the character, but rather about creating a complete look that includes the hairstyle, makeup, and accessories. It’s about considering the character as a whole and ensuring that everything is cohesive. So, to answer your question, I can’t single out one specific costume as the most memorable because they were all equally important to me. Each one had its own unique challenges and opportunities for creativity, and I approached them all with the same level of care and attention to detail. For me, it’s not just about the clothes – it’s about the entire look and how it contributes to the character’s development and the overall story.
Also Read: Twitter Is Disappointed With Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Shaakuntalam For Poor VFX And Weak Performances
8. What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Costume Designers Stepping In The Industry?
My advice to aspiring costume designers would be to approach costume design as a serious art form that requires both education and hands-on experience. It’s important to develop a creative mindset and the ability to visualize, rather than relying solely on digital resources. While it’s okay to draw inspiration from various sources, it’s crucial to prioritize the director’s vision and create something unique that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. Focus on creating a magical experience that will stand the test of time.
9. You Have Collaborated Over Many Iconic Bollywood Projects In The Past And Given Us Some Memorable Character Looks. Is There A Personal Favourite?
As a costume designer, I have been blessed to work on many beautiful projects, and each one has been a new journey of experience for me. I don’t have a personal favourite as every film has its own unique journey and technique, making it beautiful in its own way. As a technician and designer, I find each project interesting and satisfying.
10. Can You Suggest Some Essential Summer Fashion Pieces That Everyone Should Have In Their Wardrobe?
White shirts are a must-have for any wardrobe, along with baggy denim for the season. Linear or flowing dresses made of organic cotton fabric are also stylish and comfortable. Wear what makes you comfortable and enjoy it while exercising caution depending on where you’re going.
Shakuntalam is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.