A traditional craft from the Barpeta district of Assam has found its way into the high-profile cinematic landscape of Nitesh Tiwari’s latest mythological epic, 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend'. A group of 15 local artisans from Jania Banglipara village were responsible for creating the detailed, wearable armour worn by characters in the film, including those played by Ranbir Kapoor and Ravie Dubey. The project, which spanned over three-and-a-half years, required a unique blend of traditional cane craftsmanship and modern material integration to meet the demands of a major film production.
The assignment did not originate directly from the film’s production house. It was initially facilitated by Abdul Malek of the local organization Gram Unnayan, who approached master artisan Jaynal Abdin to assess the feasibility of the designs. Once Abdin agreed to lead the project, members of the production team traveled to the village to oversee the initial measurements and ensure the structural integrity of the pieces matched the requirements for high-intensity film sequences.
Creating the armour presented significant technical hurdles. The initial prototypes, constructed entirely of cane, were found to be too rigid and uncomfortable for the lead actors to move in during filming. To address this, Abdin proposed an innovative hybrid approach. By combining cane with rubber, the artisans managed to maintain the aesthetic appeal while significantly increasing the flexibility and comfort of the gear. This adjustment followed feedback from the film’s costume designer, Ajay, who tested various samples to ensure the equipment functioned correctly under studio conditions.
The production process was marked by irregular intervals, with the team working in batches as shooting requirements shifted. Whenever the film’s production team in Mumbai required fresh gear, the artisans worked under tight deadlines. Finished pieces were transported to Guwahati Airport, where they were handed over to designated contacts to ensure they reached the filming sets in the shortest possible time. Over the course of the project, approximately 30 to 35 pieces of armour were completed and delivered.
Maintaining secrecy was a critical component of the collaboration. The artisans were informed that their work was for a film, but they were not told it was for the ‘Ramayana’ production until after the film hit theatres. This level of confidentiality ensured that the surprise remained intact for the craftsmen, who were assured that their contribution would eventually earn them professional recognition. The film was released on November 5, providing the first opportunity for the villagers to see their handiwork on the big screen.
For Jaynal Abdin, the experience has been a source of significant regional pride. While he has not yet watched the film, he expressed his intention to do so to witness the integration of the team’s labour into the final production. He noted that the recognition gained from the project is not just a personal achievement, but a credit to the talent present within the Jania Banglipara village and the wider Barpeta district.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend' features a prominent cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash. The behind-the-scenes effort by the Assamese artisans highlights the intersection of traditional Indian craftsmanship with the modern requirements of large-scale mythological filmmaking, proving that local skills continue to play a pivotal role in the visual storytelling of major cinematic ventures.
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