Now Reading: Handloom sarees defined iconic South cinema characters
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Handloom sarees defined iconic South cinema characters
According to a Times of India feature, handloom sarees have long shaped character identities in South Indian cinema, from Kanjeevaram silks to simple cottons. In 'Ponniyin Selvan', Aishwarya Rai, Trisha and Aishwarya…
The Story in Brief
According to a Times of India feature, handloom sarees have long shaped character identities in South Indian cinema, from Kanjeevaram silks to simple cottons. In 'Ponniyin Selvan', Aishwarya Rai, Trisha and Aishwarya Lekshmi wore richly detailed Kanjeevaram sarees that evoked the Chola era. 'Mahanati' used intricate weaves to show Savitri’s life stages. 'Sita Ramam' and '96' favoured minimalistic handloom looks, while Nayanthara’s practical cotton sarees in 'Aramm' reinforced her role as a no-nonsense district collector.
The article argues that these textiles help audiences connect with characters beyond dialogue and performance, giving each film a distinct visual identity that draws on regional heritage.
The Indian Opinion
Cinema-loving Indians know costume adds texture to a story, but lazy takes often overstate its importance, claiming the saree alone makes the character. The real test is whether the writing and acting match the wardrobe. '96' worked because Trisha’s cotton saree echoed Janaki’s quiet dignity, not the other way round. As more films lean into nostalgic handloom looks, the question remains: will they put as much care into the script as they do into the drape?
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
