Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Film Costume Design
People see the final look on screen, but the journey involves months of sourcing, intense team coordination, and adapting to the chaos of a film set.
The journey of 'Son of Sardaar 2' began with prayers and blessings. This video captures the muhurat ceremony, a special moment where the entire cast and crew came together to kick off this massive project. It’s the start of all the magic.
Sourcing is a global treasure hunt. Here is my team and I in London, after a successful day of shopping for costumes and accessories for 'Son of Sardaar 2'. We explore everything from high-end boutiques to local markets to find the perfect pieces.
One of my favorite finds from our sourcing trips in Scotland. This red belted cardigan with paisley details and fringe was a piece that perfectly encapsulated the blend of local flavor and bohemian style we were looking for.
From park strolls to poses. A candid moment with Mrunal Thakur on location. These informal interactions are often where we discuss character and style, building a collaborative and fun environment on set.
Some moments on set feel truly magical. Capturing this photo with one of the actors under a perfect rainbow in Scotland was a beautiful reminder of the amazing journey we were on while filming 'Son of Sardaar 2'.
About Behind the Scenes: The Making Of
The images here show the glamour, but the reality is 100 plus bags of luggage, scouring markets in Scotland, and keeping continuity while filming action sequences. It is a 16-hour day where we pivot from steaming costumes to managing rapid changes between takes, ensuring every detail survives the camera's eye.
Costume design is more than just picking clothes. It is building a visual language that fits the character's soul. When I am deep in a project, the process starts with script analysis and mood boards long before the actors arrive on set.
The Global Hunt for Texture
Sourcing for a film is a massive logistical operation. It is a mix of hunting for unique vintage finds in tiny London markets and coordinating with designers for bespoke pieces. Whether it is finding a specific shade of wool for a Scottish sequence or managing a dozen outfit options for a single character, my team and I are constantly tracking every garment to ensure it matches the director's vision.
The On-Set Technicalities
Managing wardrobe continuity is the biggest challenge. On a film set, lighting and action sequences can stress a costume. We maintain duplicates, manage steaming between takes, and ensure that every accessory stays in place despite the physical intensity of filming. It is a high-pressure environment, but it is also where the real magic happens. Working with hair and makeup teams to align color palettes is essential. We do not just dress the cast. We create a consistent aesthetic that anchors the narrative.
If you are a director or a producer looking for someone to manage your wardrobe department, I bring a full, hands-on team that handles everything from the first fitting to the final shot.
Radhika Mehra
I believe costumes tell the story before the actor speaks. My approach is hands-on, chaotic in the best way, and completely focused on building a character from the ground up, whether for a big-screen film or a high-stakes red carpet moment.
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