How Rocky Aur Rani reignited Bollywood's love for bold fashion and made maximalism the ultimate style statement of 2025.
Bollywood has long been known for its extravagant, larger-than-life approach to fashion, where every outfit is an opportunity to shine. But in 2025, it’s clear that maximalism—the bold and over-the-top approach to dressing—isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s thriving, and its influence can be seen in the wardrobes of Bollywood’s biggest stars, thanks in part to the success of films like Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. This year, maximalism continues to dominate, proving that bigger is better when it comes to self-expression through fashion. The film's stunning costumes, combined with Bollywood’s love for luxury and opulence, have reaffirmed maximalism as the leading fashion force in the industry.
Maximalism in fashion is all about extravagance, bold colors, and layers upon layers of embellishment, and Bollywood has embraced it like no other film industry. While Western fashion trends have swung between minimalism and maximalism over the years, Bollywood has stayed true to its love for opulence, grandeur, and larger-than-life outfits. Even as global fashion cycles have pushed toward more subtle aesthetics, Bollywood remains firmly rooted in its maximalist traditions, often showcasing clothes that mix intricate embroidery, rich fabrics, and elaborate accessories.
(@tyaanijewellery/Instagram)
Films like Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani by Karan Johar have had a profound impact on reinforcing this love for extravagant fashion in Bollywood. The film’s eye-popping costumes, including heavily embellished saris, statement accessories, and dramatic silhouettes, have set the stage for a return to maximalism, inspiring stars and fashion enthusiasts to embrace rich colors, layers, and excessive details. The success of such films indicates that Bollywood’s love for maximalism is not just a passing trend but a staple that continues to define the fashion sensibility of the industry.
One of the standout elements of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani is the bold fashion choices made by the lead characters, played by Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The film blends traditional Indian attire with modern, extravagant design, creating a visual feast that celebrates color, texture, and intricate craftsmanship. From the dazzling lehengas and sarees to statement jewelry and colorful kurtas, the costumes play a pivotal role in amplifying the film’s narrative of love and drama.
The fashion in the film mirrors the emotional intensity of the story, with every costume telling a story of luxury, heritage, and personality. Alia Bhatt’s character, for instance, wears vibrant sarees with intricate embroidery, while Ranveer Singh’s outfits often include bold, patterned jackets and extravagant accessories. These looks were not just eye-catching; they were the embodiment of maximalist principles—loud, bold, and unapologetically extravagant.
(@mardbyabusandeep/Instagram)
By showcasing how maximalism can be seamlessly integrated into traditional Indian attire, the film helped cement the idea that Indian fashion can be both opulent and modern. Bollywood has always had a penchant for the dramatic, and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani took this to new heights, inspiring audiences to embrace more-is-more fashion once again.
Maximalism’s staying power in Bollywood fashion can largely be attributed to the industry’s affinity for color, embellishments, and opulent materials. Unlike Western fashion, which often gravitates toward neutral tones and streamlined silhouettes, Bollywood fashion thrives on a riot of colors—vibrant pinks, fiery reds, deep blues, and shimmering golds—that reflect the exuberance of Indian culture. These colors are often paired with intricate embroidery, mirrors, beads, and sequins, creating looks that demand attention.
(@aliaabhatt/Instagram)
Bollywood’s maximalist fashion is not just about bold color choices; it's about embracing all aspects of design—texture, silhouette, and accessories. Celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra have worn elaborate lehengas, sarees, and gowns with layers of embroidery, creating a visual spectacle. Accessories, too, play a massive role in this maximalist trend, with oversized earrings, statement necklaces, and chunky bracelets complementing the overall outfit.
The film industry’s frequent collaborations with luxury designers and jewelry brands ensure that these extravagant looks continue to dominate. Bollywood stars are often seen wearing couture pieces by Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, and Falguni Shane Peacock, whose designs are synonymous with maximalism. The designers incorporate an abundance of detailing—be it hand-stitched embroidery, mirror work, or gemstones—to create pieces that ooze grandeur. It’s this attention to detail, paired with dramatic flair, that has kept maximalism relevant in Bollywood’s ever-evolving fashion landscape.
(@timesapplaudtrends/Instagram)
In 2025, social media has further fueled the rise of maximalism in Bollywood fashion. Influencers, stylists, and celebrities alike use platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase maximalist looks that range from high fashion to accessible street style. With the visual nature of these platforms, bold, colorful, and dramatic outfits tend to grab attention, making maximalism the go-to trend for those seeking to make a fashion statement.
The rapid sharing of bold fashion moments on social media has helped maximalism reach a global audience, showcasing how the trend transcends borders and can be worn by anyone with the confidence to do so. Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shraddha Kapoor have used their platforms to showcase luxurious outfits that embrace maximalism, influencing fans to embrace extravagant fashion choices of their own.
At its core, maximalism in Bollywood fashion is about self-expression. In a country as diverse and rich in culture as India, clothing serves as an important tool to communicate one’s identity, beliefs, and individuality. For Bollywood stars, maximalist fashion offers a way to stand out, make bold statements, and redefine what it means to look powerful, elegant, and unique.
Whether it’s through bold patterns, layers of jewelry, or vibrant fabrics, Bollywood fashion in 2025 continues to embrace the principles of maximalism. The influence of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani only strengthens the trend, making it clear that fashion can be loud, dramatic, and bold—and still remain timeless. As long as the stars continue to embrace maximalism with confidence, the fashion world will keep turning to Bollywood for inspiration, setting trends that resonate across the globe.
