Bringing History to Life: Costume Design and Sustainability in Chhaava

Authenticity in films isn’t just about grand sets or intense performances. It’s in the details, especially costumes. The film Chhaava is a perfect example of how historical fashion can be both authentic and sustainable.

Sheetal Sharma, the costume designer, took a deep dive into 17th-century Maratha fashion. Instead of relying on imagination, her team traveled across Maharashtra, visiting places like Pune, Aurangabad, and Ratnagiri to study real historical clothing and textiles.

The goal? To make every outfit as accurate as possible!

For Rashmika Mandanna’s character, Yesubai, the sarees weren’t just new fabrics—they were sourced from traditional Paithani and Narayanpeth weavers, ensuring the art of handloom weaving stays alive. Even more impressive, they restored 500-year-old saree borders instead of producing new ones. This approach isn’t just about history. It’s about sustainability.

When it came to Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the level of detail was just as intense. His costumes were inspired by historical statues and busts, and even his accessories, including the legendary Bhavani sword, were referenced from museum pieces. And here’s a fun fact, his battle outfit weighed 17–18 kg!

What makes this film’s costume design remarkable is how it blends historical accuracy with sustainability. By restoring old textiles and working with artisans, the team didn’t just recreate the past, they helped preserve it.

Costume design isn’t just about fashion, it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship, and sometimes, making responsible choices. The next time you watch a period film, look beyond the visuals and think about the work that goes into every stitch :)