Exploring Period Dramas with Costume Designer Josyula Gayathri Devi: Her Journey, Insights, and Challenges on ‘Vikkatakavi’
Introduction: Bringing History to Life Through Costumes
Costume designer Josyula Gayathri Devi is making waves in the entertainment industry with her impeccable design skills and dedication to authenticity. Her latest project, the detective period drama Vikkatakavi, now streaming on ZEE5, highlights her talent in recreating the 1940s Telangana backdrop. Directed by Pradeep Maddali and produced by Ram Talluri of SRT Entertainments, the series stars Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash in lead roles. In a recent interview, Gayathri Devi shared her journey, creative process, and the unique challenges of working on this project.
From Engineer to Fashion Designer: A Serendipitous Journey
Born in Vizianagaram and raised in Chennai, Josyula Gayathri Devi initially pursued a career in technology, earning a degree in Computer Science Engineering. After stints at Samsung and Microsoft, she decided to take a career break, which eventually led her to discover her passion for fashion design.
“I grew up learning stitching and embroidery, so I thought fashion designing could serve as a foundation for a business,” she explains. She completed a diploma in fashion designing at Hamstech and quickly became a mentor for the course. Her boutique business flourished until the pandemic, but she plans to relaunch it on a larger scale soon.
Stepping into Cinema: From Boutiques to the Big Screen
Gayathri Devi’s transition to the film industry began when designers approached her for garment stitching. Her first project, Palasa, introduced her to costume designing, but her official entry came with the web series Kudi Yedamaithe on Aha. Since then, she has worked on notable projects like Kalapuram, Sarvam Shaktimayam, and the upcoming Harikatha. Each project added to her expertise, particularly in managing budgets, outdoor shoots, and period-specific costumes.
Crafting the 1940s for Vikkatakavi
Vikkatakavi posed unique challenges for Gayathri Devi as it required detailed research to accurately depict life in 1940s Hyderabad.
“We studied classic Telangana films like Maa Bhoomi to understand the lifestyle, attire, and traditions of the era,” she recalls. Extensive research involved reading historical articles and conducting look tests to ensure authenticity. The series presented an opportunity to blend history with storytelling through costumes.
Costume Design Challenges
- Fabric Selection: Choosing the right fabrics was crucial. Initially, modern fabrics were considered, but adjustments were made to align with the story’s mood. Cotton, linen, and khadi were selected for their historical relevance.
- Character-Specific Details: For Megha Akash’s role, sarees replaced chudidars to fit the narrative, avoiding silk to maintain authenticity. Similarly, Naresh Agastya’s costumes were designed to enhance his stature while staying true to the era.
Movies vs. Web Series: Insights into Creative Processes
Gayathri Devi notes key differences between working on movies and web series. “Series often have stricter budgets and involve input from OTT platforms, whereas movies allow more creative freedom,” she explains. Despite these constraints, she finds web series a great platform for young talent and technicians to shine.
Staying Updated in a Dynamic Industry
As a technician, staying current with global trends is essential for Gayathri Devi. She regularly watches projects across Hindi, French, and Korean industries to draw inspiration and keep her skills sharp.
“Being busy is no excuse to stop learning,” she says. “Staying informed about trends and techniques is crucial for growth.”
Upcoming Projects: What’s Next?
After Vikkatakavi, Gayathri Devi is working on the Hotstar series Marmayogi, directed by Satish Vegesna, and a film titled Manasachora. With her dedication to storytelling through costumes, these projects are set to showcase her talent further.
Conclusion: A Creative Force in Period Dramas
Josyula Gayathri Devi’s work on Vikkatakavi demonstrates her ability to breathe life into historical narratives through meticulous costume design. Her journey from engineering to fashion and now to cinema is a testament to her passion and versatility. As she continues to work on exciting new projects, her contributions to the world of period dramas remain inspiring and invaluable.