From red aalta to warrior-gold cuffs: Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding look screams maximalist groom energy

For the better part of a decade, the Indian groom has largely played the sartorial second fiddle. Celebrity men, in particular, have seemingly agreed on one universal rule for their wedding day: play it safe. We’ve seen an endless parade of muted pastel sherwanis, understated ivory achkans, and perhaps a single, polite string of pearls to tie it all together. The bride brought the high-octane drama; the groom brought the neutral background. But looking at the freshly released wedding pictures of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, the era of the wallflower groom is officially dead.

While fashion enthusiasts were quick to analyze Rashmika’s stunningly rooted bridal look, it was Vijay’s unapologetic, maximalist aesthetic that truly signaled a massive vibe shift. He stepped into the Udaipur mandap dripping in heavy, antique-finish temple gold, completely disrupting the minimalist mood board that has dominated wedding Pinterest for years. Let’s break down the anatomy of this heavily accessorized look. Worn over a traditional white pancha and a deeply embroidered crimson shawl, the actor sported layered gold harams (long necklaces) that commanded immediate attention. But the real showstoppers were the intricate, elephant-motif vanki (armbands) and the thick, deeply carved gold kadas framing his hands during the talambralu (rice pouring) ritual. The bride and the groom wore cutomised jewellery from Shree Jewellers, Hyderabad.

(Image Credits: Instagram)

This styling isn't just about throwing on extra jewelry for the sake of a viral Instagram moment. Historically, men in Southern royal courts and affluent households wore just as much—if not more—adornment than women. By embracing these bold, vintage-inspired pieces, modern grooms are reclaiming their space in the sartorial spotlight. Several prominent menswear stylists and wedding curators have already noted this exact shift happening behind the scenes. They are reporting a sudden, sharp decline in grooms asking for simple emerald drops or minimalist kundan strings. Instead, heritage jewelers are seeing a massive spike in requests for custom, heavyweight temple pieces that carry serious historical weight and unapologetic masculinity. It sends a clear message: you don't have to dilute your own look to let your partner shine.

(Image Credits: Instagram)

This shift is sending ripples through the broader bridal market. So, what does it actually take to recreate this deeply traditional aesthetic for the upcoming wedding season? Here is a realistic look at the numbers:

● The 22-Karat Heirloom Route: If you are looking to invest in real, generational pieces, prepare to carve out a significant chunk of the budget. A detailed temple jewelry haram with a matte gold finish easily ranges from ₹4,50,000 to ₹9,00,000 depending on the weight. ● Statement Accessories: Those heavy-duty armbands (vanki) or carved kadas will typically run between ₹1,50,000 and ₹3,50,000. ● The Accessible Alternative: For grooms wanting the aesthetic without the monumental price tag, premium silver-based jewelry with antique gold plating is the way to go. High-quality, handcrafted replicas of these exact heritage pieces can be beautifully sourced for a much more accessible ₹25,000 to ₹75,000.

(Image Credits: Instagram)

The pastel wave had a beautiful run, but the return of the napologetically grand, gold-laden groom is exactly the cultural reset the wedding industry desperately needed. It might be time to toss out the minimalist mood board and bring on the heavy metal.

(Image Credits: Instagram)