Bollywood costumes are one of the most important parts of a movie, Mogambo wouldn’t be Mogambo in a T-shirt and some shorts…
But not all costumes are flashy, not all of them need a butt-load of glitter and jewelry to make a point. Sometimes, costumes exist to bring out a character. To make the audience realize something about them without having to try too hard.
And honestly, since there are one too many lists about stunning lehengas and gowns, let’s take this one for the boys. For the actors who brought to life ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
And the costumes that got them there.
#1
Rangeela might have been the obvious choice here. In fact, sheer tops with ridiculously colored shirts were a huge thing at some point in time.
But the costumes in PK are just a tad bit more memorable. Maybe because dressing an alien gives you far more freedom, being able to ignore gender, for example.
Putting a man in s skirt might be liberating for a few privileged groups in our country. But none the less, it was really interesting to watch on screen.
#2
An oldie but a goodie.
This suit might not have really aged well, we’ll give it that. But when the music begins, there is only one man in the room dressed quite like that. And it’s the Don. the center of attention with a beige suit that eats the frame, making sure your eyes stay on the man at all times.
Plus, the combination of a clean cut suit that combines a cut from the seventies with a touch of glamour is perfect. Perfect to embody a character who knows how important it is to look like the most important man in the room.
#3
Okay, before you say “He’s literally wearing a banyan” wait a second. This was before most movies were fashion shows.
For the entirety of the movie, he looks just a little unkempt, just a little sleazy and just a little sympathetic. His clearly inexpensive clothes make us realize that his constant struggle to get rich is real. But even though his motives are good, the way e goes about it is always to someone else’s expense.
The very fact that his clothes make you think he’s no big deal is what they were going for.
#4
This one is for the NRIs. In the first half of the movie, Shah Rukh and Kajol are gallivanting around Europe in their best western wear. Busting out gowns and tuxedos.
But there is no outfit more loveable than the biker jacket paired with jeans, a cap and that damn guitar.
Balancing the “bad boy in leather jacket” with the whimsical hat, they hit gold. Creating a look we’re copying to this day.
#5
3 Idiots was nothing without Virus.
Virus is every single school principal you’ve had, pumped up to 11. And the only way the film would have worked is if he was incredibly cruel but funny at the same time. Boman Irani nailed it.
What helped him was the ridiculous wig and oh so middle class short sleeved shirt, tie and glasses on a string. It makes the character feel real. It makes his cruelty come from a place of hard work. But in the end, it helps an actor nail an extremely complicated character.
#6
Okay, the sheer top is a bit much. Actually, it’s a lot much. It’s hideous when you look at it in 2017.
But back in 2000, this ladies what “hot men” could be seen wearing. It was the perfect way to show off your physique while technically still wearing a shirt. Plus it was a great contrast to the outfit Hrithik wore in the first half of the film.
While Rohit was cool, accessible and sensitive, Raj is sleeker, richer and likes showing off his nipples more.
#7
Remember The Godfather? Remember how sharply Marlon Brando was dressed? At no point did he ever look like the villain he was.
With Sanjay Dutt in Vaastav, the choice of pristine white for a man deeply involved in criminal activities remains interesting, even though it’s been done a lot. The chains of gold around his neck like you might garland a god just add to the intimidation.
And finally, one well-placed tika seals the deal.
#8
Guys, it’s his Tom Cruise look…
Does he look irresponsible? Yes.
Does he look like he works for a corporate? No.
Does that haircut remind you of a boy you used to date who was 25 and acted 12? Yes.
Does he look like he works for a corporate? No.
Does that haircut remind you of a boy you used to date who was 25 and acted 12? Yes.
#9
Another great example of how terrifying white can be.
By the time Irrfan Khan enters the film, nobody is a good person anymore. Everyone has become relatively shady. And when he enters through a snowy field, barely visible with no information about the character – it’s amazing.
Can you trust the man in white? No. He, like his intentions, are completely cloaked, white and invisible.
#10
Source
There were hardly any dialogs this character really had. It was all conveyed in slightly over the top expressions and whimsical sound design.
But kudos to the people who mastered the art of dressing like a man from a hill station. the checkered vest, shirt and postman cap combo works for Kapoor’s innocent performance. Someone who is removed form his time and surroundings, in a little world of his own.
BONUS ROUND!
Not a single word. This was brilliant.