The Bahubali movies – Beginning (1) & Conclusion (2) have been one of the most influential movies in Indian Cinema in the last two years. Released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, these magnum opus films have been super duper hits and brought the historical fantasy genre back in Indian cinemas back in a big way.
Bahubali
Bahubali is story about a royal family that is disrupted due to issues in ascension to the throne. Sibling rivalry and hatred leads to conspiracy, betrayal and murder that affects, not just one generation but the one to come. The conclusion actually contains the prequel to the first part and sheds light on past incidents that have led to kingdom being unstable once again. Regaled amidst shimmering silks and jewelry, exotic locales and gruesome wars, it sheds light on how greed, jealously, envy, and self pity can wreck havoc on even powerful people. The movies are a must watch for those who like historical fantasies.
Movie Inspiration
Though there was a lot of GOT ( Game of Thrones) influence in part 1, the movie inspired me aspire higher in my craft work. In my “Heaven golu” I tried to incorporate some of these aesthetics. I had once written about the flower jewelry worn for the Female lead of Part one and how it had become a big hit. While Part 1 was more about the moving the story forward and raising important questions that would be answered in the conclusion, part 2 was a visual delight. The story line was very simple and characters were larger than life but the costume, jewelry, and sets/ special effects were spectacular.
The men were rippling with muscles, fighting with armaments that seemed heavier than themselves. The women were curvaceous, with creamy skin, bee stung lips, had luscious black hair and wore the most stunning fabrics and jewelry. The hero was self sacrificing and the villain just evil. They were characters that seemed straight out of Amar Chitra Mythology books. The jewelry was designed by Amrapali . The Stylists had decked up the characters in finest traditional Indian fabrics – Benaras, Patola, Mashru, Chanderi, Khun, Ikat, and more, that it was a treat to watch as a fashion designer. While watching the movie, all I could think was “If Amar Chitra katha books and Crafts council of India fair had a baby, then this is how it would be!”
Bahubali 2 Influence
I usually dislike sporting any movie inspired looks but while watching this movie I was so enamored by the style that I wanted to incorporate the design direction in my wardrobe. And my cousin’s wedding was the perfect opportunity for that. Most of my looks and jewelry were inspired by Bahubali 2, particularly the Ore oru ooril song (Hamsa Naava in Telugu) – a duet with a flying ship. Watch the video below. Unfortunately, this is not the official version but an edited, low less Tamil version.It has been uploaded only recently even though the movie released on 28th April.
Meenakari Vs Afghan Jewelry
When my dad bought me my blue and white Ikat saree in December, I knew I wanted to wear different yet traditional jewelry with it. After watching Ore Oru Ooril ( the above song) I wanted it to be red and blue meenakari jewelry. But Meenakari was beyond my budget. So I settled in on Afghan jewelry. See below what I made. There will be a separate post on how I reached that stage and what I eventually wore.
Bahubali Elephant necklace
You must have come across this one in my to-do list for wedding jewelry. Just after the trailers were out for part two, this elephant pendant (with elephant studs) were all over Facebook groups. But I didn’t want to wear it exactly as it was. So I got the pendant, colored it with yarrow resin tint to change the finish of the piece. Using patina inks I then colored it to make it match with the green and Purple saree that my mom had planned to wear at the reception. I strung the pendant using glass and crystal beads and remodeled the chain that came with the pendant to suit my improvisation of the piece. I had to convince my mom to wear the colored earrings too. They made her look younger 🙂 If you squint at the picture, you can see her wearing a gota ring. More on that in a separate post.
Devasena Brocade
The Heroine (Anushka’s character) is called Devasena in the movie and her blue ensemble in the song became very popular. Soon the Benarasi brocade fabric that she is wearing came to be known as Devasena Brocade. In a poly- cotton jaquard, it is available in many colorways. I wore the original blue and pink combo with a dark blue blouse and a blue dupatta (Dhavani) for the Wedding reception. What I am wearing is called a Half – saree or Pavadai – Sattai – Dhavani ( Skirt, blouse and stole) which is a typical South Indian attire for young girls. I got my stole edged with gota and wore Gota jewelry which is very UP or Rajasthan. It resulted in an eclectic look and upstaged the bride just a bit. But then, the elder sister must have her due. 😀
This was the skirt – blouse that my tailor had spoiled and didn’t fit well even after alterations. Somehow, I made it through the evening by pulling, tying, tucking, pinning, and swearing at intervals.
There is a reason why I was so dressed up. I had planned a welcome dance for my cousin and her then fiancee, now husband, at the reception and a performance later in the evening. Unlike North Indian weddings, there is little dancing at traditional South Indian ones. But then, we have already established that I am a rebel when it comes to following traditions. One of the songs of the performance was Ore oru ooril so, well, you see, I had to simply dress the part. I roped in my mom , two other cousins and a gentleman from the Groom’s side to dance with me. The rehearsals were especially fun, infact better than the actual performances.
I took off the tikka and rings soon after the performances to avoid the crowd staring at me. But then as the stares turned into smiles, I forgot all about it and put them back on for pictures.
I also made a simple version of the hairclip along with earchain. This is how it looks when worn. It can also be worn over the ear and pinned if the earrings are heavy. I pestered my mom to no end to take these pictures for the blog and was so happy when I saw the way my hair looked. But over the weekend it all fell out in clumps and big chunks. Right then I should have realised that I would be in pain soon.
Considering now I look like a cat that has been smacked right on its face, I did not want to share pictures where I am all dressed up and actually like how I look. But that is life – it ebbs and flows. Also my travel posts need pictures that I am disinterested in editing. They’ll come up after this once I get my morale back up.
That was a brief account of how a film inspired my fashion looks. I wanted to write about the movie soon after its release but then thought it would be better to write about the inspiration after I actually realised it into products. Stay tuned for posts on Gota wedding jewelry and Afghan jewelry coming up soon. Not to forget a set of posts on my trip to Badrinath.
I hope you found it interesting
Cheers
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