It’s Baahubali season, and among the many things grand about the film is the jewellery the stars wear. Bold, statement pieces that glow subtly, while showcasing the pure design technique used in the era the film is set in.
Nearly 1,500 pieces used by the lead characters in the sequel were created by Jaipur-based Amrapali, which also crafted some pieces for the first part.
The official jewellery designers for the film worked out of the Amrapali Design Studio, in keeping with the storyline and the traits of the characters, says Anil Ajmera, director, Amrapali, who focusses on design, among other things. “The team travelled back in time to before the Mughal era for its research. That was when pure forms were celebrated. Everything was solid yet simple. There was no kundan or too much embellishment. We had to stick to this template. Else, the movie would be set in a period and speak one language, while the jewellery would converse in another. The primary motifs were that of the lotus, mango and other flowers.”
Stars and stones
A lot of pearls have been used, along with rubies, enamel, white crystal, yellow sapphire... all of them pure colours, says Ajmera.
The designers went with the character arc while coming up with distinct looks. So, Sivagami, played by Ramya Krishnan, sports bold pieces, while princess Devasena (Anushka Shetty) wears delicate creations. The men sport solid pieces that add to their valorous or villainous on-screen persona. Silver metal with gold plating was used to achieve the grandeur demanded. The team worked for nearly two years on the project. “We began with sketches, and drew patterns on them to see the effect. Once approved, our workers crafted it from scratch,” says Ajmera.
The film-inspired range being retailed at Amrapali has been reimagined to ensure it is contemporary enough to be worn today. So, a blue enamel neckpiece with white stones has been cast as smaller necklaces, and earrings. “The motifs remain the same. Only the form has been changed,” says Ajmera.
What’s your pick?
See the ‘Baahubali Collection’, a line of handcrafted silver gold-plated jewellery, specially designed by Amrapali for Baahubali 2.
The range comprises bangles, bracelets, cuffs, anklets, hair bands, rings, nose pins, naths, ear cuffs, earrings, maang tikkas, necklaces, chokers, toe rings, baju bandh and waist belts. Prices start at ₹1,600 and go up to ₹39,000.
The Baahubali Collection is on display from 11 am to 7.30 pm at Amrapali, Old No 8, New No 13, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
