Assam cane craft fuels armor design for film Ramayana

Guwahati: Costume designer Ajay Kumar turned to Assam for the armor seen in the film Ramayana. Released on November 5, the production features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. Director Nitesh Tiwari leads the project. Kumar traveled to the state with his team to supervise the work.

The armor relies on a Sarpat cane base. Artisans added jute embellishments and wooden elements to complete the build. It was a tough job. The process demanded significant time, precision, and patience. Kumar oversaw every step of the execution himself. He credited his team as his backbone for making the project work despite the hurdles.

Regarding the effort, Kumar noted, "This armour is not just a design; it is a piece of my vision, my persistence and an immense amount of hard work."

Assam is famous for its history of cane and bamboo work. Local makers use these materials for baskets, mats, furniture, and household goods. These techniques pass through generations. Using these indigenous materials moves traditional skills into a modern cinematic space. Kumar highlighted the value of the labor involved. He believes specific creations earn their place through the people behind the scenes. As he said, "Some creations deserve to be remembered not just for how they look, but for the story and the people behind them."