Vikkatakavi is Zee5's new show that has started with a very good response. The period drama stars Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash in key roles and is gaining attention for its stunning visuals and exceptional costume design. Josyula Gayathri Devi, the costume designer for the series, shares her experience of working on a period drama, creating outfits for different eras, overcoming challenges, and her plans. Here is the transcript:

How is the response to your show Vikkatakavi?

The response has been fantastic, and the reviews have been very encouraging. Apart from the core cast, the technicians are also being appreciated, which is rare in the OTT space. A lot of us behind the scenes go unnoticed, but this time, my work and the costumes I designed are receiving solid applause. I’ve never experienced such warm recognition in Tollywood before.

How did you get the opportunity to work on Vikkatakavi?

I had previously worked with director Pradeep Maddali on his series Sarvam Shaktimayam. He was impressed with my work and offered me the chance to work on Vikkatakavi, a period drama. Since the show spans different time zones, it was a challenge to design costumes that suited various characters and eras.

Tell us about the making of Vikkatakavi?

Director Pradeep was very clear about how each character should look. For example, the lead character, played by Naresh Agastya, is a detective from a bygone era. We conducted extensive research on how people dressed during that time. Since the show is set in the 1940s, I watched the classic Telangana film Maa Bhoomi for inspiration and referenced how people carried themselves in that period. A lot of preparation went into designing the costumes.

What was the most challenging aspect of designing for Vikkatakavi?

The biggest challenge was balancing historical accuracy with visual appeal, which was both demanding and rewarding. For the hero, we needed a sharp, well-dressed look, but finding a fabric with the right shine was difficult. For Megha Akash, we initially planned to dress her in churidars, but they didn’t suit the aesthetic. Instead, we opted for sarees made from linen and khadi, which helped her stand out.

What is the difference between working on a series and a feature film?

Working on a series often involves tighter budget constraints, requiring high-quality output within limited resources. In contrast, feature films usually allow for greater budget flexibility. Series also involve significant input from OTT platforms, which influence creative decisions. However, every project is a learning experience, and I constantly update myself by watching international content.

Tell us about your background?

I am a software engineer by training and worked in Hyderabad for a few years. Later, I resigned and pursued a diploma in fashion design. I started my own business, and through that, I began interacting with film industry professionals. My journey in films began with Karuna Kumar's Palasa. Later, I worked on Aha's Kudi Yedamaithe, which helped me establish myself in the OTT world. Since then, I’ve been working on back-to-back projects.

What are your future projects?

I’m currently working on a Hotstar series titled Harikatha and a show called Marmayogi, directed by Satish Vegensa. Additionally, I’ve signed a feature film titled Manasachora. I’m thoroughly enjoying my work, and with every project, I feel I’m improving. I firmly believe the best is yet to come.

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