Character Design for 'Maa'
Crafting a character starts with a script and ends in the fabric. For the film 'Maa', we blended traditional aesthetics with a fierce, contemporary edge to reflect the raw power of the character on screen.
A close-up of the custom gold corset blouse created for Kajol's character in 'Maa'. The intricate detailing and shoulder adornments were designed to resemble armor, symbolizing her role as a protector. It's a piece that is part jewelry, part power statement.
This shot highlights the contrast between the fluid black saree and the structured, armored blouse. The stacked bangles add a traditional touch to the otherwise modern and fierce interpretation of a goddess-inspired look.
The intensity of Kajol's expression is amplified by the costume. The dark bindi and the powerful silhouette of the blouse create a look that is both captivating and formidable, perfectly suited for the film's horror genre.
The elegant drape of the saree and the detailed craftsmanship of the blouse are visible in this full-length shot. Every element was considered to channel the fearless spirit of the character, making the costume an extension of her power.
A black and white version of the 'Maa' look, which strips away color to focus on the dramatic interplay of light, shadow, and form. This moody shot emphasizes the raw, primal strength we aimed to capture with this costume design.
About Character Design: The World of 'Maa'
The custom corset blouse for the 'Maa' look was engineered as modern armour, not just clothing. We designed the shoulder adornments to visually communicate the character's role as a protector, ensuring the structure held firm under the specific lighting conditions required for the horror genre.
Designing for 'Maa' required a deep dive into the psychology of the character. We drew inspiration from the fierce, raw energy of Goddess Kali, translating that mythology into a tangible wardrobe. The goal was to create a visual identity that felt both ancient and dangerous.
The Anatomy of the Look
We opted for a fluid black saree to reflect the character's ash-toned skin, paired against a rigid, structured blouse. This contrast was intentional. While the saree allowed for movement and fluidity, the blouse acted as an anchor, providing a sharp, defined silhouette. We focused heavily on texture to ensure the costume popped on camera, using gold detailing that caught the light, adding a divine yet threatening dimension to the screen presence.
Character Architecture
Every project I take on starts with a script breakdown. For this look, we worked closely with the hair and makeup teams to ensure that the costume did not exist in a vacuum. We matched the bindi and hair styling to the specific geometric lines of the armour-like blouse, creating a cohesive visual language. This level of synchronization is non-negotiable when creating a character for the big screen. Whether we are sourcing vintage gems from local bazaars or collaborating with designers, every piece is chosen because it serves the character's emotional arc, not because it is trending.
Radhika Mehra
I treat fashion as the primary tool for storytelling. When I build a character’s look for the screen, I am not just dressing an actor; I am crafting a persona from the ground up to ensure every colour and accessory helps them live their reality.
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