Following the success of the Telugu series 90s: A Middle Class Biopic, ETV Win has often used nostalgia to attract viewers. The platform presents stories set in simpler times that celebrate friendships and view life through a gentle lens. The new series Gurtukosthunnayi follows this approach while giving the lead character a reason to revisit his early years.
Santhosh, played by Viraj Ashwin, prepares to marry his childhood sweetheart Vaishali. Before the wedding, he reunites with three close friends for a bachelor trip to Goa. A sudden accident on the way causes partial memory loss, leaving him unaware of his past.
The show draws clear inspiration from the 2012 Tamil film Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom. In both stories, a man loses part of his memory shortly before marriage, and his friends help him manage the situation. Gurtukosthunnayi uses flashbacks to help the protagonist recover his memories.
Although the premise is familiar, the series maintains a sincere tone. Childhood scenes establish the bond among the four friends as they recall school days. Typical teenage experiences such as school pranks, crushes, summer breaks, and time with grandparents appear throughout.
Vaishali’s father serves as a mild opposing figure who has held a low opinion of Santhosh since his school years. The narrative follows the friends’ efforts to shield Santhosh from awkward moments while also exploring the strained relationship with his future father-in-law.
The friends are shown as distinct individuals whose growing frustration with repeated reminders is acknowledged. Santhosh makes several mistakes, including giving a patient too many tablets and leaving his niece unattended, which adds tension.
Viewers can sympathize with Santhosh’s confusion as he faces daily challenges with a positive outlook. The writing places him in difficult situations, yet the story avoids feeling repetitive. Relationships among friends and family receive sufficient attention and support the central plot.
The ending resolves matters neatly with a positive conclusion. Despite following common Telugu storytelling patterns, including a final speech that brings change, the direction and acting carry the episode to a satisfying close. The emotional elements provide adequate depth.
Director Winod Gali presents another simple, relatable tale with modest goals. Stronger female roles and a broader view beyond middle-class boyhood memories could strengthen future projects.
Viraj Ashwin gives a convincing performance as Santhosh, conveying vulnerability and confusion with empathy. Yashashree Rao handles her limited role well and brings an approachable quality. Supporting actors including Pavan Sidhu, Godavari Gopi, and Viva Raghav fulfill their parts effectively.
The ensemble cast, featuring Sivannarayana, Rohini Hattangadi, Anish Kuruvilla, Subhalekha Sudhakar, and Goparaju Ramana, adds weight even when not fully utilized. Priyadarshini Ram fits the role of the stern father-in-law. Ajay Arasada’s music and Rehan Shaik’s cinematography support the light tone.
Gurtukosthunnayi is a compact series with limited ambitions that meets its goals. It offers an enjoyable watch without creating a strong lasting impact. The show is available on ETV Win.
