5 Bollywood Movies with the Most-Expensive Costumes and Jewellery
Bollywood is known for its grand storytelling — but it’s the visual opulence that often steals the show. Some films go beyond cinematic storytelling and enter the realm of luxury fashion, featuring real gems, intricate embroidery, and hand-crafted costumes worth crores.
Here are 5 Bollywood films where the costumes and jewellery weren’t just beautiful — they were bank-breaking.
1. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Why It Stands Out:
This historical epic starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan redefined costume grandeur. Aishwarya's wardrobe featured traditional Rajasthani lehengas and real kundan-polki jewellery handcrafted by master artisans.
Estimated Costume & Jewellery Budget: ₹2–3 crore
Designers: Neeta Lulla, Tanishq for jewellery
2. Padmaavat (2018)
Why It Stands Out:
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s visual extravaganza saw Deepika Padukone’s outfits encrusted with real gold embroidery and traditional Rajputana jewellery, some of which was custom-made using real gold and pearls.
Estimated Costume & Jewellery Budget: ₹5 crore+
Designers: Rimple & Harpreet Narula, Tanishq
3. Devdas (2002)
Why It Stands Out:
Another Bhansali masterpiece, this film featured Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, and Shah Rukh Khan draped in opulence. The chandbalis, nose rings, and embroidered sarees were all handcrafted.
Estimated Costume & Jewellery Budget: ₹2.5–3 crore
Designers: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Reza Shariffi
4. Baahubali Series (2015–2017)
Why It Stands Out:
Although technically a pan-India film, Baahubali set new benchmarks for cinematic costume design. Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah wore elaborate, mythological-inspired outfits with heavy temple jewellery and antique gold designs.
Estimated Budget (Costumes & Jewellery): ₹3–4 crore
Designer: Rama Rajamouli
5. Mughal-e-Azam (1960) – Color Version (2004)
Why It Stands Out:
In the colorized re-release of this timeless classic, audiences could finally witness the detail in Madhubala’s Anarkalis and the real gems used during production. Many pieces were borrowed from royalty at the time.
Estimated (adjusted for inflation): Over ₹5 crore in today’s value
Designers: Makhanlal & Co. (costumes), Jaipur jewelers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Which Bollywood film used the most expensive jewellery?
Padmaavat reportedly featured jewellery worth over ₹5 crore, using real pearls, gold, and custom Rajputana designs.
Are real gems and jewellery used in Bollywood movies?
Yes, especially in period dramas and royal-themed films. Directors often opt for authentic jewellery for visual richness.
Who designs costumes for big Bollywood films?
Top names include Neeta Lulla, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, Rimple & Harpreet, and Rama Rajamouli.
Do actors keep the costumes or jewellery?
Rarely. Most of it is owned by the production house or designers and used only during filming and promotions.
Why do filmmakers spend so much on costumes?
To bring authenticity, grandeur, and realism to their storytelling, especially in historical or larger-than-life cinema.
Published on: July 17, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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