Anu Vardhan is the girl of the moment. Rajinikath’s Kabali teasers are breaking records on YouTube. Anu has styled the much appreciated look of Rajini in Kabali. We spoke to her about the overwhelming response and how she nailed the ‘Kabali look.’
How did Kabali happen?
The hairstylist for the movie, Bhanu, asked me if I could style Rajini for Kabali and I immediately jumped at the offer. I had a meeting with the director Ranjith and the brief he gave me was that,Rajini will be playing his age in the movie and he wanted him to look really nice on screen. Ranjith was very clear about what he wanted and he is a great person to work with. I was very happy that I could work with Rajini sir and it was a bonus that I could make him look real, as there were no gimmicks involved. I’m very lucky to have got this opportunity.
The Kabali look has been well received, with fans going crazy buying Kabali look merchandise. How do you feel?
To be honest, I did not expect this response. So many people have been calling me to appreciate the look. I called Ranjith, thanked him and told him how happy I was with the way everything has turned out. The film is nothing like what Rajini Sir has done before; it was a new experience for him.
The Kabali Shades have become a thing now, with immense craze to buy them. Why did you pick those particular ones?
The shades was a very important element to the look, as Ranjith said he will be wearing it in most parts of the movie. So we tried plenty of shades to nail the look. Finally, I zeroed in on this as it fit the best. I felt this particular one added more depth to the character. I also thought this element made the look complete.
Also Read: Thank Soundarya Rajinikanth! She Made Kabali Happen!
Why the beard? Because it is in fashion now?
Don’t you think he looks so much better with the beard? Initially, Rajini Sir was sceptical about the beard because it is difficult maintaining a beard. It was only after a long time he told us that he is growing his own beard. He said the last time he grew his own beard was for Aarilirundhu Aruvathu Varai, that’s nearly 30 years ago!
Tell us about the two looks of Rajini in the movie.
For the older character we went mostly with grey, white, blue and some browns. I love Rajini Sir when he wears a white shirt; I think he looks the best in them. I told Rajini Sir that and he laughed saying, even he loves wearing white shirts. There is this sophistication and class when he wears white and that was what the character needed.
We wanted neutral colours and nothing jarring for the suit look. For the Retro look we wanted a contrast and went with bright colours. Usually, I do not like too many colours in my clothes and stick to single ones, but for the Retro look, Ipulled out all the colours on earth! No one has seen has seen me bringing so many colours and people were literally staring at the clothes when I put the costumes out during the shoot. The Art Director of the film, Thangavel Ramalingam, is an ardent Rajini fan. He calls himself a Rajini veriyan. He really helped me with the Retro look. He used to give me references from Rajini Sir’s old movies and song sequences. We did a lot of research and paid attention to the pants and every tiny detail.
Also Read: 11 Movies To Turn Every Rajini Fan Nostalgic!
What was Rajinikanth’s reaction when he first wore the suit and shades?
He loved it! He is a very encouraging and motivating person. Whenever he likes a particular costume he is wearing, he tells me how good it is and how much he likes it. He is person who is open to trying anything. When discussinga look, he always says, whatever Ranjith needs, we will do. He is a very supportive person, he told me that I’m good at what I do and that he wanted to see more of my work in the future.
The last time there was so much craze about the suit look in Billa, in which you styled Ajith. How does it feel to break your own record?
It feels good to break your own record and it pushes me to work much harder. I think men look smarter in the salt and pepper look. It adds so much more character to them. They are confident and comfortable playing their age and I think that is what reflects on screen too.
You have styled Nayanthara in most of her films, how is it working with her?
She is a thorough professional and brilliant at what she does. Nayan puts in a lot of effort on her clothes and look for every movie. I like Nayanthara the best in Billa and recently in Naanum Rowdy Than. I also liked her look in Pudhiya Niyamam.
What other projects are you working on?
I do one film at a time so I can give my 100 percent. Also, I only do projects that excite me, there has to be something for me in it to work on. I love shaping characters and bringing them alive. Next, I’m working on Thala 57. The look for it hasn’t been decided yet. The director Siva and I are currently working on narrowing down the best one for Ajith.