Joker & Pennywise take over Mumbai’s Halloween

When you step out tonight, you might want to watch where you’re going, for you don’t want to bump into a witch, a vampire or a ghost! It’s Halloween, a time when Mumbaikars will get all dressed up in black, red and every shade of macabre, to rock the scariest night of the year. This time, apart from the ghouls, ghosts and all kinds of spooky creatures, get set to see the Joker and Pennywise (from recent films, 'Joker' and 'It Chapter 2', respectively) — stalking the city streets and parties.
‘I wanted to be Joker as he’s just so cool’

The two characters are definitely the go-to costume choices for Halloween this time around and Mumbai’s stores have sold-out their costumes in the run-up to Halloween. Says Sharon Timmins, of Party Hunterz, Bandra, “The red Joker suit with a waistcoat has been in demand this season. We’ve had to customise it for people asking for it. All you need is the mask with the wig and you’re set!” Shrishti Santhosh, student of Bombay Scottish school, who was shopping for her costume last-minute, adds, “I want dress up as the Joker as I find him to be quite cool. In fact, a lot of my friends are dressing up as him, too. I guess we are going to rock it tonight.” Another buyer struck a pose at a rickshaw outside. “I want to see how it looked on our streets in photos and it really stands out — I’m all set for tonight! The Joker has been around since long, but while Heath Ledger was such an amazing Joker, Joaquin Phoenix has taken it to another level this year. It’s crazy and it’s like a metaphor for being different. I didn’t think twice about choosing it,” he says.
‘Pennywise is all about our nightmares coming true’

As darkness descends today, joining the vile Joker will be Pennywise. You may have jumped off your seat on seeing him with his razor-sharp teeth and terrifying grin on screen? Tonight, that’s the look that most Halloween revellers are going to sport, too. Says Avnish Mehta, student and avid cosplayer, “Stephen King brought out such a terrifying version of the clown that when I saw it, I knew I had to play him as he’s such an evil character. I bought the white ruffled tunic last month, as well as the wig, and I plan to scare a few people with it.”
Adds marketing executive Natasha Mehta, “Pennywise is all about our nightmares coming true. Earlier, I have dressed up as a Mummy and as a ghost, but this one takes over completely. My friend and I will be dressed as this clown today for a home party. We’ll also carry the red trademark balloon. It’s a change from the usual witch or vampire look.”
Plenty of scare fare

These two characters apart, there’s plenty on the platter to churn out those chills. The stores are packed with other eerie paraphernalia — scary masks, glowing ghost heads that you can place in the party, long red-and-black streamers, little Jack-o-Lanterns, devil horn headbands and more. These nooks and shops are chock-full of items that can be used as props to up the scare quotient at the party. Says Ekta Ballani of Madcaps The Party Shop, “Halloween has certainly grown over the years. It’s fun for kids as they can play so many roles. What’s popular are costumes of Harry Potter, Hermione and witches. When it comes to accessories, skull rings, horns and capes are in demand.”

Shannon Mendonca, who’s throwing a themed party with friends, says, “I’m dressing up as a witch with a top hat, as I think it’s a character that really fits in. We plan to give people goodie bags with skulls and candies for trick-or-treat.”