The highly anticipated Bollywood action film ‘Singham Again’ has set pulses racing with its thrilling blend of action and drama. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rohit Shetty, the movie brings together a powerhouse trio of super cops played by Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Ranveer Singh. Diving deep into the vivid narrative of justice and power, costume designer Navin Shetty reveals the intricate process behind curating a unique visual identity for each character in this cinematic universe.
Since the inception of the Singham franchise, Navin Shetty has been at the helm of shaping its distinct looks, always ensuring that the costumes not only reflect the characters but complement the actors portraying them. This project marked a significant milestone in his career, as the task required giving a fresh yet cohesive look to each of these iconic roles. “For Singham Again, Rohit sir wanted Ajay’s civilian look to stand apart from previous editions. Maintaining Bajirao Singham’s iconic strong and tough image was crucial to the design process,” Shetty explains.
Ajay Devgn’s character has consistently been an emblem of strength and justice. Shetty sought to retain these core characteristics while infusing new elements to mark the evolution of his role. “We have incorporated solid colors and denims to offer a rugged yet polished vibe,” states Shetty. This approach preserves the essence of Singham’s persona while updating his look for a fresh narrative arc in this latest installment.
Turning the spotlight to Akshay Kumar’s character, Sooryavanshi, a seasoned cop with a flair for action—Shetty embraced the challenge of working with Kumar’s inherently fit physique. “The team had the chance to explore styles that accentuate Akshay’s fitness and agile nature,” mentions Shetty. This opportunity to experiment allowed Shetty to create a look that emphasizes Kumar’s action-star appeal, contributing to the dynamic energy that the character brings to the screen.
Ranveer Singh’s entry into the franchise with his character, Simmba, provided another exciting avenue for creative exploration.
. Known in the fashion circles for his bold, flamboyant style in real life, Singh’s look was strategically toned down for his character. “Rohit sir wanted a significant departure from Ranveer’s usual eye-catching style,” claims Shetty. This transformation from Singh’s real-life persona to his on-screen role as Simmba was crucial in defining the character’s evolution and seriousness in this universe.
The new faces in the franchise, including Deepika Padukone and Tiger Shroff, brought fresh tastes and preferences. Tiger Shroff, recognized as a fitness enthusiast, presented a special canvas for design innovation. According to Shetty, “Youth admire Tiger for his fitness, and it was essential for his character to appear muscular and commanding.” The design team’s focus on amplifying Shroff’s chiseled physique aligns with his action-packed role, giving the audience another vigilant force in the lineup.
Arjun Kapoor, cast as the film’s antagonist, was entrusted with a look that screamed menace and power. Shetty’s brief was straightforward—portray Kapoor as the incarnation of evil. “His character is the ‘Raavan’ of the plot, and we went bold with his styling—experimenting with hair, make-up, and costumes,” Shetty recalls. The use of black as the dominant palette visually expresses his character’s ominous presence and moral centerlessness, enhancing the film’s portrayal of good versus evil.
Singham Again not only draws viewers with its gripping storyline but also through the meticulous craftsmanship of costume design. Each piece of apparel handpicked and styled by Navin Shetty provides layers of depth to character portrayal, ensuring audiences are visually enrapt as the narrative unfolds.
With this film, director Rohit Shetty and Navin Shetty embellish the tradition of integrating narrative elements with clothing, enriching the cinematic experience. As the movie hits theaters, viewers will undoubtedly appreciate the visual artistry that brings each character’s arc to life, reaffirming that costume design is not merely about fashion but an essential narrative tool in filmmaking.
