“Can I get a ‘chi hoooo?’,” asks little Dheva Mayuran who is cosplaying as Maui from the film Moana, holding up a painted fish hook. Not too far away, he spots Moana, a cosplayer who looks mind-bogglingly similar to the curly-haired star of the much-loved Disney movie. In the vicinity, at Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, there is also the Front Man and Young-Hee, the red-light green-light doll from the Squid Game series, people’s superhero Spiderman, and Bumblebee from Transformers.
In its second edition at Chennai over the weekend, Comic Con saw nearly 4,500 cosplay registrations. Whipping out cameras, and asking to pose with their props and swords, the cosplayers were the central attraction. Several cosplayers from Bengaluru and Puducherry joined the enthusiastic cosplay community from Chennai, bringing alive a bevy of characters from their favourite comics, anime, manga, movies and video games.
“There has been at least a 300% jump in the number of people who cosplay in Chennai. I remember there being hardly a handful who were interested, say about seven years ago,” says Aravind Menon, a cosplayer from Chennai. Aravind has a simple reason for why people choose to cosplay. “Being your favourite character is an out of the world experience,” he says.
Aravind has a simple reason for why people choose to cosplay. “Being your favourite character is an out of world experience,” he says. “Many people walk up to speak to you, take photos and we are building a strong community of fans,” he adds.
At this year’s Comic Con, we caught up with some cosplayers who told us about their love for the characters they picked, and how they put together their impressive looks.
Arindam Paul – Kakashi Overdrive
Arindam as Kakashi Overdrive
| Photo Credit:
Thamodharan B
While I was inspired by Kakashi from Naruto for my base design, I put together this outfit drawing from a host of anime, manga and cyberpunk influences, and the aesthetics of a samurai.
This cosplay is full of details. The back of my armour for instance has references to the manga Akame ga Kill!, the weapons I am carrying are from two different games, Ghostrunner and Zenless Zone Zero, and in an ode to the relaunch of the game Onimusha, I have a design on my armour.
I named this character Kakashi Overdrive, and it took me six to eight months to put together.
It should not take so much time, but I work in the corporate sector through the week. I have dedicated my weekends to preparing my cosplay for Comic Con!
Veena Devi – Moana
Veena as Moana
| Photo Credit:
Thamodharan B
Moana is an inspiration. Even when she is in the middle of the ocean where there is no light or hope, she always finds a way. She has the capabilities of overcoming any barrier and I love this about her.
Despite me being a Design student, this was a challenging cosplay to put together. The dress material took time for me to procure, and I made the skirt with artificial hay. I stitched a bandeau top, and added in the wreath and oar to complete my look. I spent about 45 hours making this costume and I feel it truly is worth it since so many people are excited about Moana today!
Armaan Raut – Jinx
Armaan as Jinx
| Photo Credit:
Thamodharan B
Ever since I started watching the first season of Arcane, I became a fan of Jinx, from the video game League of Legends. She is chaotic, badass, and fights for overcoming her tragedies. Putting together this costume took me more than a month. While I bought the blue wig, all the other aspects of the costume were made by me. My favourite part was building this gun — this was the most time consuming prop but it was worth it. Look at how it lights up!
Yuvaganesh S – Kokushibu
Yuvaganesh as Kokushibu
| Photo Credit:
Thamodharan B
Kokushibu from Demon Slayer is one of the strongest characters I know. He can fight anyone and win. I got some help with my make up and intricate face painting from a friend. The costume though, was fully made by me. I sourced this purple cloth that looks like his costume, and stitched it. Making the sword was the most important part to tie this cosplay together. I used EVA foam, and a stem of wood for the inner layer. The details were achieved by marbles and tissue. So many fans have asked to pose with the sword, and taken pictures with me as well.
Jessica Mary Lanney- Erza Scarlet
Jessica as Erza Scarlet
| Photo Credit:
Thamodharan B
The Heaven Wheels Armour that Erza Scarlet wears is my favourite armour of hers. For my second Comic Con, I decided to work on recreating this intricately designed silver metal armour that has feather-shaped plates. I created the entire outfit from EVA foam, and hand-painted it in silver to mirror the actual look. Erza has always been a favourite; she is just so strong and I love cosplaying as her.
Adithya Ashok- Grey Knights Librarian
Adithya interacts with a fan
| Photo Credit:
Poorvaja S
I have been cosplaying for the last four years, and over the last year, I have been trying my hand at making props. This cosplay might look challenging, but I picked this character on a whim.
While cosplayers normally print out templates, cut and put together their look, I decided to draw freehand on foam, take measurements and cut it out.
Today, a friend and the volunteers here have been helping me get in and out of my suit. It took me only three days to make this, an excessively fast pace of working just for Comic Con here.
Rohit Kumar – Moon Knight
Rohith as Moon Knight
| Photo Credit:
Thamodharan B
Moon Knight, the Marvel character, is someone I have been deeply inspired by. He finds a way, to adapt in some way or the other to every situation he faces and manages to safeguard himself as well. He has multiple personalities, and makes for a very intriguing character to delve into as well. My white costume is completely made of foam, and took me nearly 25 days to make by hand.
Published – February 12, 2025 04:51 pm IST
