Working on periodic series is unique experience: Costume designer Gayathri Devi

The recent web series Vikkatakavi on Zee5 is receiving praise and positive reviews. Set between the 1940s and 1970s, it is a detective web series with a Telangana backdrop. To reflect the era authentically, every actor needed costumes that matched the time, making the role of the costume designer crucial. Josyula Gayathri Devi, who worked on the series, played a significant role in ensuring the outfits were perfect. The series stars Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash in lead roles and is directed by Pradeep Maddali.
“Working for OTT platforms and web series provides great opportunities for young talent and technicians. However, as a professional, I make it a point to stay updated by watching projects in Hindi, French, and Korean, even amidst my busy schedule,” says costume designer Josyula Gayathri Devi.
Born in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh and raised in Chennai, Gayathri pursued a degree in Computer Science Engineering and later worked as a developer in private organisations. “Due to personal reasons, I resigned from my job and decided to take a break. During that time, I developed an interest in fashion designing,” she shares. She joined a one-year diploma course in fashion designing at Hamstech and later participated in a fashion show, which became a valuable learning experience. “Within a year, I was invited to be a mentor for the course, and I took up the role,” she adds.
Her experience as a fashion show mentor helped her understand the entire process, and she subsequently launched her own boutique. While her boutique operated successfully until 2019, the pandemic forced its closure. It was then that Gayathri transitioned into films, starting with the web series Kudi Yedamaithe on OTT. “After that, I worked on a movie titled Parahushar, but it didn’t release due to certain reasons,” she explains. She later collaborated with director Karuna Kumar on Kalapuram and with Pradeep Maddali on the web series Sarvam Shaktimayam.
“After Sarvam Shaktimayam, I worked on another periodic series titled Harikatha. My experience with Harikatha directly helped me while working on Vikkatakavi. Working on periodic series with unique concepts isn’t a regular occurrence, so when such opportunities arise, one must seize them. Balancing these projects and understanding the nuances of each era has been a rewarding challenge,” she shares.
Regarding her upcoming projects, Gayathri reveals that she is currently working on a web series titled Marmayogi, directed by Satish Vegesna. “The shooting has recently started. Additionally, I’m also working on a movie titled Manasachora,” she concludes.