As expected from a movie based in rural India, there’s not much fashion in Vishal Bharadwaj’s latest venture Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola. With costumes by Payal Saluja, the clothes are rustic and raw as they should be, with each key character having a distinct style statement. Here they are (and how you can wear them):
Matru (Imran Khan)
Matru is not what he seems to be. Though he serves the zamindar, his revolutionary spirit is camouflaged well. Hence his look is decidedly blend-in-the-crowd and inconspicuous.
What he’s wearing: He dons a cotton kurta with sleeves folded or rolled up, teamed with worn-out waistcoat or leather jacket, jeans and long scarf (the rural gamcha) wound around his neck.
How to wear: Both guys and girls can ape this ambiguous look, except perhaps for the gold balis and kada on his wrist. Instead of kurtas, try a long-sleeved tee for a more “cityish” look.
Recommendation: Kurta from Fab India
Bijlee (Anushka Sharma)
She’s cute but bold, and has got tattoos at the oddest of places to prove she’s rebellious.
(Picture courtesy: Official movie page on Facebook)
What she’s wearing: Anushka is in chunky knits/ shawls and oversized crochet tops over camisoles, with a skirt or hot pants and lace stockings. Her hair is usually a mess, but the eyeliner is never out of place. On her wedding day, she changes from shorts to a calf-length ghagri in what seems to be a jiffy.
How to wear: Baggy tops are hot right now so wear them much as you like, but skip the shorts and wear jeans with boots instead. It’s grungy enough without being inappropriate.
Accessories tip: Anushka’s accessories are quirky earrings (like the long feathers-on-chains in Oye Boy Charlie) and several leather bands around her wrist. All of these are easily available at local and high street brands.
Recommendations: Cable knit cardigan from Zara, Color Carnival earrings (available on ShopInOnIt).
Mandola (Pankaj Kapur)
The most complex character in the movie, Mandola is the rich zamindar who lives a luxurious life. On an ordinary day, he chooses between a Rolls Royce, Bentley and limousine and has a guy to hold his sunglasses for him.
What he’s wearing: He dresses elegantly in tailored suits, complete with matching pocket squares and scarves. And oh, very British hats! Unfortunately his Haryanvi paunch requires him to wear unattractive suspenders. Pankaj Kapur may not be a handsome actor, but his character’s irony is not lost given the context of rural India.
How to wear: Most men may choose to wear coloured suits now, but the best bets are still black, grey and navy. Ties are optional.
Recommendation: Suit from Anita Dongre
