From Props to Protagonists: Comic Con India ignites Chennai’s creative spirit with ‘Cosplay 101’ Workshop

 Ahead of the highly anticipated Chennai Comic Con this February, the city’s pop-culture pulse quickened as Comic Con India hosted an exclusive Cosplay 101 Workshop at the Hard Rock Cafe. In collaboration with House of T, the event turned the iconic venue into a makeshift studio for over 120 fans, signaling a massive shift in how South India’s youth engage with fandom.

The workshop began with introduction to the fundamentals of costume making and prop creation, and diving further into the technical artistry of character design. Led by Akshay Churi, a two-time Indian Championship of Cosplay (ICC) winner, alongside Chennai’s own veterans Logesh Rajah and Suriya Banu. The session focused on foam cutting and pattern making to advanced techniques such as weathering and battle damage, attendees were guided step-by-step on how to craft detailed and durable costume pieces. The session explored VFX makeup and wig styling techniques, helping participants elevate their overall character portrayal.

Addressing the crowd of aspiring creators, Akshay Churi shared his vision for the community, “Through this workshop, we aim to encourage people to take up cosplay as a hobby more, because it is a creative and expressive way of showing your art. While many are inspired by the costumes they see, they often feel intimidated, assuming cosplay is too difficult to achieve, but that is not the case. This workshop challenges that perception by breaking down the fundamentals of cosplay, making it approachable and accessible so that anyone can try it for themselves.”

Beyond the glue guns and glitter, the session addressed the practical side covering topics such as budgeting, material sourcing, and recycling. By emphasizing that high-tier cosplay can be achieved through clever upcycling, the workshop made the subculture accessible to a much wider audience.

The workshop serves as the ultimate “warm-up” for Chennai Comic Con, set for February 14 and 15, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Center (CTC). Attendees will have the chance to nominate themselves and compete for a spot in the Indian Championship of Cosplay, providing a national platform for Chennai’s burgeoning talent to rise.