Upendra’s UI is not just a film; it’s a visual and thematic spectacle. Known for his boundary-pushing ideas, the director envisioned costumes that aligned with the film's futuristic theme. “Uppi sir is incredibly hands-on and has a clear vision,” shares Bharath Sagar, one of the key designers, who has worked along with Varshini Janaki Ram, and Nani. “He’s a trendsetter, and designing for him meant blending avant-garde elements with functionality. The results were truly rewarding,” he adds.
Bharat Sagar revealed that UI features over 20 meticulously crafted costumes. “Each costume reflects a narrative. It’s not something you’d wear on a regular basis. From high-neck patterns and capes to unique pant styles and boots, every piece is futuristic. Even the headgear was treated as jewellery, adorned with stones to enhance the look,” he explains.
Bharat Sagar, who transitioned from mechanical engineering to costume design, credits his technical background for enabling him to explore innovative techniques. “I left my engineering job in 2020 to pursue costume design full-time. My friend Siddhu Moolimani introduced me to the industry with Anup Bhandari's Raja Ratha, and later I worked on films like Vikrant Rona and Made in Bengaluru. I’ve also collaborated with stars like Sudeep, Shivanna, Upendra, and Ganesh as their personal designer,” he recounts.
Discussing Upendra’s involvement, Bharat Sagar says, “He envisioned the headgear resembling sculptures and costumes made of unconventional materials like denim. We even used 3D printing for some elements. His support and creative freedom kept us motivated.”
Colours played a pivotal role in defining the film's tone. “Grey and black dominate the palette, while earthy tones like brown and pale shades make up 50 per cent of the costumes. Fashion in Upendra’s films has no boundaries, and that’s what makes working with him so exciting,” Sagar adds.
Through his label, Bottle Pipe, Sagar continues to carve a niche in avant-garde designs. “Costume design isn’t just about fashion—it’s about storytelling. UI is the perfect canvas to showcase my passion for the extraordinary,” he concludes.
Varshini Janakiram: Styling Uppi sir was like designing for a living legend
For Varshini Janakiram, designing for UI was an opportunity to push creative boundaries. “I have always believed that costumes are integral to a film’s narrative,” says Varshini, who holds a bachelor's degree in Fashion and Apparel Design from Mount Carmel College and a Master’s in Fashion Styling from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy.
Among her standout contributions to UI is the feather outfit. “The feather outfit was a collaborative decision between choreographer Chinni Prakash, Upendra sir, and me. This was the final outfit we customised for the film, and it turned out to be a masterpiece,” she reveals.
“Uppi sir’s costume, from the feathered accessories to the custom-made shoes, was entirely handcrafted,” Varshini explains. “Even the background dancers wore vibrant, rich feathery outfits, sourced from Mumbai, to complement the grandeur of the scene. The entire look had to feel cohesive yet extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression.”
Collaborating with Upendra has been a rewarding experience for Varshini. “Styling Uppi sir is like designing for a living legend. He’s open to experimentation, which gives me the creative freedom to explore bold concepts,” she shares.
Her collaboration with Upendra extends beyond UI. As his personal stylist, she has crafted looks that amplify his iconic presence on and off-screen.
For Varshini, costume design is more than fashion; it’s an emotional and creative process. “Every fabric, colour, and accessory tells a story,” she says. “In UI, we worked with futuristic themes, blending metallic tones, intricate patterns, and unconventional silhouettes. Even the smallest detail had to align with the overall vision of the film.”
Optimistic about the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, Varshini adds, “Audiences today appreciate the effort that goes into costumes. It’s no longer just about the actors; it’s about creating a visual experience. I feel fortunate to be part of this transformation.”
With over 25 films to her credit, including Sanju Weds Geetha 2, Banadariyalli, and Bairathi Rangal, Varshini, who is also a personal stylist for actor Rachita Ram, continues to redefine storytelling through costume design.