Gayathri Kishore’s career is proof that some paths in life unfold naturally, even without planning. Born and raised in Cochin, she began her journey far away from the world of cinema. An engineering graduate who later studied fashion design, she worked as a design faculty member and explored different cities and industries in search of something meaningful.
Although her parents hoped she would follow a stable career, Gayathri felt drawn toward creativity. She tried corporate work, photoshoots, theatre productions, and small creative projects. Even then, she never imagined she would enter films.
In 2019, everything changed when she was invited to style a music video titled Maayathee . The project was well received, and it quietly opened the door to her future in cinema. She soon found her creative base in the ad world, working with teams that trusted her instinct and talent. Those early years shaped her identity as a costume designer.
Her first major step into films came with Hawk’s Muffin, directed by Krishnendu Kalesh, which led to Mindiyum Paranjum and a series of opportunities that followed one another naturally. From there, Gayathri worked on films like Mukundan Unni Associates, 1001 Nunakal, Padmini, Jai Mahendran, Identity and Pet Detective.
Each project introduced her to new people and new spaces, creating a steady chain of work built on trust and reputation. A key turning point came when a producer casually asked, “Why don’t you have a team?” Until then, Gayathri handled everything herself. That moment pushed her to form a team, expand her workflow, and grow from a one-woman army into a structured creative unit.
One of her biggest projects is Identity, starring Tovino Thomas, Trisha Krishnan, and Vinay Rai. Believing deeply in the film’s vision, she dedicated an entire year to it. The film’s reception today stands as one of her proudest achievements.
From ads to indie films to mainstream cinema, Gayathri has built a portfolio of 14 completed works and is currently working on an upcoming film directed by Kiran Das. Her parents, who once feared the unpredictability of cinema, now proudly recognize the passion and commitment she brings to her craft.
Without planning for it, Gayathri found herself exactly where she belongs — telling stories through fabric, colour, and character. Today, she stands among the most promising costume designers shaping Malayalam cinema’s visual language, proving that instinct, sincerity, and steady hard work can create a path all on their own.
