Vikkatakavi Was a Unique Experience as a Technician
Costume designer Josyula Gayathri Devi reflects on her journey and shares insights into her work on Vikkatakavi, a period detective drama streaming on ZEE5. Directed by Pradeep Maddali and produced by Ram Talluri under SRT Entertainments, the series stars Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash. Set in the 1940s, Vikkatakavi required meticulous research and a creative approach to authentically recreate the era.
#Vikatakavi is streaming on Zee 5 now. It’s an investigative thriller series with 6 episodes. Binge watched all the episodes, and I liked it. pic.twitter.com/nHr6hc1syu
— Satya (@YoursSatya) November 28, 2024
From Engineering to Fashion Design
Born in Vizianagaram and raised in Chennai, Gayathri Devi initially pursued a career in engineering, working with tech giants like Samsung and Microsoft. After three years as a developer, personal circumstances led her to resign and explore fashion design—a passion she nurtured since childhood.
“My plan was to start a boutique business after 40, but leaving my job pushed me to act sooner,” she shares. Gayathri completed a diploma in fashion designing at Hamstech and quickly gained hands-on experience, even mentoring aspiring designers. She launched a boutique, which thrived until the pandemic forced its closure. Now, she’s planning a grand relaunch.
Stepping into Cinema
Gayathri’s entry into the film industry was unplanned. Other designers frequently sought her expertise for stitching, which led to her first project, Palasa. Her career as a costume designer took off with the web series Kudi Yedamaithe on Aha. Subsequent projects included Kalapuram and Sarvam Shaktimayam, where she mastered handling outdoor shoots on tight budgets.
The Period Drama Challenge: Working on Vikkatakavi
Having previously worked on Harikatha, another period series set in the 1990s, Gayathri felt prepared to tackle the 1940s aesthetic for Vikkatakavi. “Recreating Hyderabad’s 1940s required extensive research. Watching Maa Bhoomi and studying archives helped me understand the lifestyle, attire, and culture of that era,” she explains.
To maintain historical authenticity, Gayathri chose fabrics like cotton, linen, and khadi over silk for Megha Akash’s sarees, reflecting the simplicity of the time. For Naresh Agastya’s character, she focused on creating a tall and commanding look while adhering to period details.
“Balancing historical accuracy with visual appeal was challenging but rewarding. Every costume underwent look tests and adjustments to align with the story’s mood,” she adds.
Movies vs Web Series
Gayathri highlights the differences between working on films and web series. “Series often have budget constraints, requiring high-quality output with limited resources. OTT platforms also influence creative decisions, unlike films where the director has more control,” she notes.
Staying Updated and Looking Ahead
Despite a busy schedule, Gayathri makes time to watch projects across industries, from Hindi and Korean to French, ensuring she stays updated with global trends.
Currently, she’s working on a web series, Marmayogi, directed by Satish Vegesna for Hotstar, and a film titled Manasachora.
“Projects like Vikkatakavi are rare opportunities to push boundaries as a technician. They allow us to blend research, creativity, and execution, making the experience truly unique,” she concludes.
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