Silks, swords & stories: When Bollywood mastered the period aesthetic

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s eye for detail turned Bajirao Mastani into a period film that felt like a moving painting. The Maratha Peshwa-era grandeur was captured through authentic architecture, vibrant sarees, warrior costumes, and traditional weaponry. The blend of dramatic lighting and ornate interiors gave each frame a timeless, regal touch that was historically rooted yet cinematically bold.

Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus recreated the grandeur of the Mughal era with opulence and precision. From elaborate zardozi lehengas to intricately designed palaces and authentic Urdu-infused dialogues, everything in Jodhaa Akbar screamed royalty. A.R. Rahman’s music and K. K. Senthil Kumar’s cinematography only added to the majestic feel, making the 16th-century world come alive on screen.

Set in colonial India during the late 1800s, Lagaan is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The dusty village of Champaner, the earthy costumes, and the British cantonments were painstakingly crafted to bring realism to this fictional tale. The mix of dhotis, turbans, and traditional jewelry reflected rural India, while the British regalia was spot-on, giving the film its rich historical flavor.

Set in 1960s Kolkata, Parineeta beautifully recreated the Bengali charm of that era. From the vintage tram rides to the elegant sarees and period furniture, the film balanced nostalgia and sophistication. The film’s subdued palette and Shantiniketan-style set decor added layers to the romantic drama and made the city an unspoken character in the narrative.

Vicky Kaushal’s Sardar Udham paid tribute to India’s freedom struggle with a lens of historical integrity. The film recreated 1930s England and pre-independent India with precision — from costumes and typewriters to cold grey London lanes. The production design stood out not because it was grand, but because it was accurate, making the viewer feel like a fly on the wall of history.