Shyam Singha Roy

On 18 December 2019, Rahul Sankrityan (of Taxiwaala fame) narrated a script to Nani, which is considered to be an "innovative story".[3] The project was initially reported to be produced under Suryadevara Naga Vamsi's Sithara Entertainments banner, who initially worked with Nani in Jersey (2019).[3] The film was announced in February 2020, with the title Shyam Singha Roy,[4] and was expected to go on floors in May 2020,[5] although the launch was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[6] During March 2020, A. R. Rahman was approached to compose music for the film,[7] and Nirav Shah was in charge of handling the cinematography.[8] Later Anirudh Ravichander was announced as the composer as Rahman apparently did not accept the offer. The film was meant to be Anirudh's third collaboration with Nani after Jersey and Nani's Gang Leader.[9]

The film was expected to be made up on a huge scale, marking the most expensive film in Nani's career.[10] However, producer Naga Vamsi wanted to cut down the budget citing the pandemic situation, as the estimated cost was much higher;[11] Vamsi wanted to shelve the project, after Nani completing the shoot of Tuck Jagadish. Due to differences of opinion between Nani and Vamsi, the production was handed over to Venkat Boyanapalli would be producing the film under his newly established banner Niharika Entertainment.[12][13]

On 25 October 2020, a new poster was launched coinciding with Dusshera, with the inclusion of composer Mickey J. Meyer, cinematographer Sanu John Varghese and editor Naveen Nooli. Director Sankrityan revealed that the film is based on the theme of reincarnation,[14][15] which is set in the backdrop of Kolkata.[16]

Sai Pallavi, who also collaborated with Nani in Middle Class Abbayi, was cast in the film.[17] It was reported that Rashmika Mandanna was approached for a lead role,[18] although Krithi Shetty was finalized later.[19][20] Madonna Sebastian was also confirmed as a lead, marking her come back to the Telugu cinema after Premam (2016).[21] Murali Sharma, Abhinav Gomatam, and Rahul Ravindran were later included in the cast. In March 2021, Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta was signed to play an important role in the film.[22]

The film was launched at a private ceremony in Hyderabad on 11 December 2020,[23] in the presence of the cast and crew,[24] and Nani's father gave the muhurat shot for the film.[25] Principal photography began on 21 December 2020 in Hyderabad, India.[26][16] A Kolkata-themed street along with the Kalighat Kali Temple is constructed on a budget of ₹6 crore.[27][28] In February 2021, the team began filming crucial scenes at Kolkata.[29] The filming was halted briefly due to COVID-19 lockdown in India and was resumed in July 2021. The Kolkata set in Hyderabad was damaged due to heavy rains and was restored by the art director Avinash Kolla.[30] Filming was completed on 26 July 2021 and post-production began.[31]