Director Winod Gali Explores Nostalgia and Memory Loss in Telugu Series Gurthukostunnayi
Telugu filmmaker Winod Gali has released his web series 'Gurthukostunnayi' on streaming platforms ETV Win and Netflix, using a memory-loss plot device to explore themes of nostalgia, school friendships, and past relationships.
The series centres on the character of Santosh, who struggles to balance his busy routine with time for his family and four close friends. The plot revisits his school days and his romance with Vyshali before moving to a bachelor party trip to Goa, where Santosh meets with an accident. Following the crash, he is diagnosed with amnesia, and the narrative unfolds around his struggle with recurring memory loss as he reflects on his past.
Gali, who wrote the story and screenplay in addition to directing, explained that the concept was aimed at helping modern audiences reconnect with simpler times. He noted that people have become consumed by daily routines and have forgotten past moments, prompting him to use amnesia as a bridge between the character's past and present experiences.
The casting process required an actor capable of portraying vulnerability and innocence. While Tamil actor Vaibhav was initially considered to play Santosh, the role ultimately went to Viraj Ashwin, known for his work in the film Baby. According to Gali, the script required four to five months of writing with contributions from other writers and the producer, followed by two months of pre-production and a 51-day shoot.
Gali entered the mainstream film industry after studying animation and multimedia, directing a short film during his BTech studies, making YouTube content, and working in advertisements. He previously directed a successful film for ETV Win and cites filmmakers Ram Gopal Varma and Mani Ratnam as his key artistic influences. Following the release of the series, Gali stated that he has received offers from major production houses, is preparing an emotional project inspired by the film Chhichhore, and has penned a script for actor Allu Arjun.
