Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Armour: A Masterpiece of Traditional Craftsmanship

Introduction to Ramayana Armour

The traditional cane craftsmanship from a small village in Assam’s Barpeta district has found a place in Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic ‘Ramayana: Rise of a Legend’. Master artisan Jaynal Abdin of Jania Banglipara village led a 15-member team that handcrafted 30 to 35 pieces of cane-and-rubber armour for the film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.

The work took around three-and-a-half years to complete. Speaking to ANI, Jaynal Abdin said the project did not come to him directly from the film’s production house. It first reached Abdul Malek of the local organisation Gram Unnayan in Jania.

The Project Journey

“It did not come to me directly. It first came to Abdul Malek ji of Gram Unnayan here in Jania. He called me over and said a project had come in and asked me to take a look. They had sent a file initially containing the drawings and designs. After examining it, I said it could be done and discussed it with my team head. Soon after, five to six members from their team arrived here, and a member named Sagar stayed back with us to help oversee the measurements and corrections,” Jaynal Abdin told ANI.

Challenges Faced by Artisans

Making wearable armour from stiff cane for high-intensity film scenes was a technical challenge. Jaynal Abdin said the first prototype had minor fitting issues around the neck and shoulders, and it was sent back with markings for changes. After it was refitted and tried on the lead actor, the pure cane structure turned out to be too rigid and tight for comfortable movement.

“After we fixed the initial cuts, they made the main actor of the film wear it, and he said it was very hard and tight—which cane naturally is! They asked what alternative material could be used. I told them we could craft it out of whatever material they provided. They sent us black and green rubber, but weaving with rubber alone was not working. When I spoke to costume designer Ajay, I suggested using half cane and half rubber. He agreed and asked us to make one sample,” Jaynal Abdin explained.

Armour Production and Delivery

Once the cane-and-rubber design was approved, the artisans worked on and off for over three years, whenever the production needed fresh pieces. To meet urgent shooting needs in Mumbai, finished armour jackets were sent straight from Barpeta to Guwahati Airport.

“They gave me the contact number of a person at Guwahati Airport and told me to simply hand the jackets over to him. I would go to the airport, hand it over, and within two to three hours they would call to confirm they had received it. The work was not continuous; sometimes there would be no news for three to six months, and then suddenly a call would come asking for eight or ten pieces on very short notice before shooting resumed. In total, over three to three-and-a-half years, we sent around 30 to 35 pieces,” he said.

Confidentiality and Pride

All 15 artisans in Jania Banglipara worked under strict confidentiality about the identity of the project.

“At that time, they did not tell us we were making this for Ramayana. They only told us it was for a film shoot and assured us that our work would bring us recognition later. Now that the film has been released, we finally came to know. I have not watched the film yet, but I will definitely watch it because a small part of my own handiwork is in it,” Jaynal Abdin said.

With ‘Ramayana’, having been released on November 5, Jaynal Abdin said the recognition belongs to the whole region.

“I feel immense pride—pride for my team, for myself, for my village Jania Banglipara, and for the entire Barpeta district,” Jaynal Abdin added.

Key Facts About the Armour

• The armour was handcrafted by 15 artisans from Assam’s Barpeta district.
• The work took around three-and-a-half years to complete.
• 30 to 35 pieces of cane-and-rubber armour were made for the film.
• The armour was designed to be wearable and comfortable for high-intensity film scenes.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in the lead roles.

Read also: Ranbir & Alia's Diwali Celebration

Traditional Cane Craftsmanship in Assam

Assam is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts. The state is home to a variety of traditional crafts, including cane and bamboo crafts. The artisans of Assam have been perfecting their craft for generations, and their skills are highly regarded.

The traditional cane craftsmanship of Assam is a unique blend of art and technique. The artisans use locally sourced materials, such as cane and bamboo, to create intricate designs and patterns. The craftsmanship is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and long-lasting.

The artisans of Assam have been working on the Ramayana armour project for over three years. They have used their skills and expertise to create a masterpiece that is both functional and beautiful.

Implications for Indian Artisans

The Ramayana armour project has significant implications for Indian artisans. It highlights the importance of traditional crafts and the need to preserve and promote them. The project also showcases the skills and expertise of Indian artisans and their ability to create high-quality products.

The project has also created employment opportunities for artisans in Assam. The 15 artisans who worked on the project have been able to earn a living and support their families through their work.

The Ramayana armour project is a testament to the power of traditional crafts and the importance of preserving and promoting them. It is a shining example of Indian artisans' skills and expertise and has the potential to inspire future generations of artisans.

What to Watch Next

For those interested in traditional crafts and Indian art, there are several films and documentaries that showcase the skills and expertise of Indian artisans. Some notable examples include:

• The film ‘The Red Elephant’ (2013), which showcases the traditional crafts of Assam.
• The documentary ‘The Artisans of India’ (2015), which highlights the skills and expertise of Indian artisans.
• The film ‘The Weaver’s Story’ (2018), which tells the story of a traditional weaver from Assam.

These films and documentaries provide a glimpse into the world of traditional crafts and the skills and expertise of Indian artisans. They are a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian art and culture.

Conclusion

The Ramayana armour project is a masterpiece of traditional cane craftsmanship. It showcases the skills and expertise of Indian artisans and highlights the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts. The project has significant implications for Indian artisans and has the potential to inspire future generations of artisans.

The project is a testament to the power of traditional crafts and the importance of preserving and promoting them. It is a shining example of Indian artisans' skills and expertise and has the potential to inspire future generations of artisans.