The 72nd National Film Awards brought another proud moment for Telugu cinema as Pushpa 2 won the Best Costume Design award. But instead of unanimous celebration, the result has triggered an unexpected debate on social media.
A section of movie lovers believes Kalki 2898 AD deserved the honor instead.
One viral post mocked Pushpa 2’s victory, saying, “Best Costume National Award for Pushpa 2? For those roadside and Meesho-type clothes they’re giving a National Award? Kalki’s team created futuristic, dystopian, and period costumes with incredible effort. Archana Rao deserved this award.”
However, it must be noted that costume design is not about making outfits look expensive, glamorous, or futuristic. It’s about creating costumes that perfectly fit a character and the world they inhabit, and Pushpa 2 achieved exactly that.
Allu Arjun‘s look as Pushpa Raj and the costumes worn throughout the film, especially during the Jathara sequence, reflected the character’s journey, social background, and emotional state. Every outfit worn by the characters in the film became an integral part of the storytelling rather than just visual spectacle.
Designing clothes that look simple, natural, and authentic can be just as challenging as creating elaborate futuristic costumes. The National Awards recognize how effectively costumes serve the narrative, not just how visually grand they appear.
At the same time, there is little doubt that Kalki 2898 AD presented an extraordinary challenge. Creating a futuristic world while blending mythology with science fiction required immense imagination and craftsmanship. Had Kalki won the award, there would have been no debate.
But that doesn’t mean Pushpa 2 is undeserving.
Both films represent Telugu cinema on the national stage and showcase two completely different approaches to costume design. One focused on creating a grounded, rustic world, while the other imagined a visually ambitious future.
This is a moment for Telugu cinema fans to celebrate the fact that both Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD have raised the bar in their own unique ways. After all, both are proud products of the same industry.
