In the much-anticipated return of Rohit Shetty’s blockbuster cop universe, *Singham Again*, celebrated actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff step into roles that are not only marked by their beloved characters but also by meticulously crafted costumes. Esteemed costume designer Navin Shetty, who has been the sartorial architect of the Singham franchise from the very beginning, finds himself once again at the creative forefront, tasked with redefining the appearance of cinema’s favorite super cops.
As the franchise’s stalwart, Ajay Devgn reprises his character Bajirao Singham, whose strong persona has been the heart of the series. Navin was entrusted with the challenge of evolving Singham’s look without losing the essence of his powerful, authoritative presence that audiences have come to admire. “Rohit sir wanted a new civilian look for Ajay that would set him apart from the previous Singham films while maintaining his commanding aura,” remarked Navin. Inspired by this directive, Navin pursued a style that married traditional boldness with contemporary aesthetics, opting for solid colors complemented by rugged denims, thereby reflecting Singham’s unwavering tenacity and dynamic spirit.
Shifting his creative focus, Navin addressed the fashioning of Akshay Kumar’s and Ranveer Singh’s personas. With Akshay Kumar returning as Sooryavanshi, Navin found a canvas rich with opportunities. “Akshay sir’s commendable fitness allows room for experimentation with different styles and cuts, which is a designer’s delight,” he explained. Known for his versatile adaptations and charismatic screen presence, Kumar’s character is brought to life with an ensemble that flatters and asserts his formidable on-screen personality without compromising practicality.
Ranveer Singh’s character, Simmba, posed a different set of challenges and opportunities. Singh’s real-life penchant for flamboyance is renowned, yet Rohit Shetty mandated a departure from this vibrant image for Singham Again. “We endeavored to craft a wardrobe that breaks away from Ranveer’s usual colorful persona, grounding his character in a more serious avatar,” Navin elaborated, highlighting the critical balance between maintaining Singh’s enduring appeal while crafting costumes that resonate with the film’s evolving narrative.
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The film also introduces new characters into Shetty’s cop universe, with Deepika Padukone and Tiger Shroff entering the scene. Shroff, a paragon of youthful energy and fitness, was another exciting challenge for Navin. “Tiger commands a huge fan following among the youth, especially for his muscular build,” Navin noted. Ensuring that Shroff’s character embodied strength and vitality, Navin opted for attire that enhanced his athletic physique and added to his character’s rough-and-ready demeanor.
In contrast, the film’s antagonist, played by Arjun Kapoor, required a distinctly different approach to costume design. “Arjun’s character is akin to Raavan, embodying an all-encompassing evil,” Navin stated. This role provided Navin with the freedom to explore darker themes, opting for an array of dramatic costumes that included intricate makeup and hairstyling. Black emerged as the dominant color, signifying the character’s menacing and imposing nature.
As the multifaceted world of *Singham Again* comes alive on screen, it’s apparent that Navin Shetty’s contributions rise above mere aesthetics. The distinct apparel curated for each character not only aligns with their narrative arcs but further entrenches their identities in the hearts of the audience. Through his precise craftsmanship and nuanced understanding of each character’s core traits, Navin ensures that the visual storytelling is as impactful as the performances themselves.
With the film’s release slated for Diwali, anticipation runs high among fans eager to see how Navin Shetty’s innovative designs have redefined these iconic characters. The stylist’s work is a testament to his creative prowess, proving that costume design is a pivotal element in shaping cinematic experiences that resonate long after the credits roll.
