Pawan Kalyan is admired for his simplicity off screen and striking presence on screen. During the production of ‘Balu’, the actor made an unusual wardrobe decision that surprised even the film’s team. Years later, that fashion choice is once again circulating online, with fans recalling how one costume piece became a cultural moment.
A carefully crafted look for the role
Instead of relying on routine styling, Pawan Kalyan wanted something distinctive for his character. He supervised the creation of a specially tailored pair of pants, collaborating with an international costume specialist. The design process focused on durability, comfort and visual impact. At a time when such global inputs were uncommon in Telugu cinema, the effort stood out. The final look perfectly matched the rugged tone of the film and instantly caught the eye.
The expense he didn’t want the film to bear
The custom outfit reportedly cost about ₹1. 4 lakh, a steep price for a single costume during that period. Concerned about the production budget, Pawan Kalyan offered to pay the amount personally. Producer Ashwini Dutt, however, refused to let the actor spend his own money and chose to absorb the cost instead. Renu Desai is said to have helped coordinate the process, ensuring the design was completed smoothly and delivered on time.
How a costume became a trend
After the film’s release, the pants became hugely popular among audiences. Fans began referring to the style by the film’s name “Balu pant. ”, and the rugged cargo design quickly turned into a fashion trend. Youngsters across cities tried to recreate the look, leading to increased demand for similar clothing in the market.
