The 2026 Groom Mood Board: Set on Fire by Vijay
The "Virosh" wedding didn’t just break the internet; it shattered it. With Instagram posts crossing the 20-million-like mark within hours—setting a new record for Indian celebrity nuptials—Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have turned a private union into a global fashion manifesto.
While Rashmika was the vision of grace, the real seismic shift happened in the Groom’s Mood Board. Vijay has effectively declared the "Minimalist Groom" era dead, replacing it with a 2026 aesthetic that is unapologetically royal, culturally rooted, and high-fashion.

The 2026 Groom Mood Board
Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding wardrobe has become the blueprint for the modern Indian man. He moved away from the standard "Sherwani-and-Churidar" template, opting instead for Structural Traditionalism. Vijay championed the structured shawl and the pleated dhoti-pant. It’s a silhouette that provides the "V-taper" look—broad shoulders and a snatched waist—making the groom look like a warrior-prince rather than a corporate executive in a fancy suit.
Move over, pastels. The mood board is now dominated by Basalt Black, Antique Gold, and Raw Ivory. This shift brings a moody, cinematic edge to wedding photography that filters perfectly for social media. By leaning heavily into his Telugu roots with a contemporary twist, he has made "Heritage" the ultimate flex. The 2026 groom isn't just wearing clothes; he’s wearing a legacy.

The New Jewelry Rulebook: Upping the Groom’s Game
If there is one thing Vijay proved, it’s that jewelry is no longer "bridal." It is the ultimate tool for groom styling. To capture that 2026 energy, here is how to level up:
1. The Power of the Oddiyanam (The Waist Belt)
Vijay’s use of a gold waist belt over his ivory ensemble changed the game.
How to wear it: Opt for a matte gold finish with temple carvings. It cinches the waist and provides an anchor for the entire outfit, giving the groom a commanding presence.
2. Multi-Layered Necklines
Forget the single string of pearls. The 2026 groom needs depth.
Layer a choker-style Guttapusalu (seed pearl necklace) with a heavy, long-form Haram featuring a massive emerald or ruby pendant. It creates a vertical line that adds height and prestige.
3. The Return of the Vanki (Armlet)
One of the most talked-about "Virosh" details was the armlet worn over the bicep.
The Game-Changer: Wearing a Vanki over a long-sleeved silk kurta adds a layer of "Royal Armour" that feels masculine and ancient.
4. Statement Ear Jewelry
Vijay’s signature gold Kadukkans (earrings) have become the must-have accessory.
The Upgrade: If you have multiple piercings, mix a traditional gold stud with a small diamond drop to blend the old world with the new.

The Impact: A Shift in the Indian Wedding Scene
It’s clear that "Virosh" hasn't just given us a wedding; they've given us a cultural shift. Seeing a groom like Vijay Deverakonda embrace that level of heritage and jewelry really marks a turning point where the men are finally stepping out of the fashion shadows.
The "Virosh" effect is moving the needle from "Looking Rich" to "Looking Regal." The record-breaking likes on their wedding carousel prove that the audience is hungry for Authentic Opulence. Grooms are no longer content being the "plus-one" in fashion; they are now the protagonists.
This is the end of the "Boring" Suit: Because of Vijay, we are seeing a massive decline in Western suits for Indian receptions. Men are now opting for velvet capes, embroidered Angarakhas, and heavy jewelry even for the evening parties.
The "Virosh" wedding has given Indian men the "permission" to be decorative. It’s a return to the Maharaja era, but with the sharp grooming and fitness-focused tailoring of 2026.