Shyam Singha Roy

On 18 December 2019, Rahul Sankrityan narrated a script to Nani, which was considered to be an "innovative story".[8] The project was initially reported to be produced under Suryadevara Naga Vamsi's Sithara Entertainments banner, who initially worked with Nani in Jersey (2019).[8] The film was announced in February 2020, with the title Shyam Singha Roy,[9] and was expected to go on floors in May 2020,[10] although the launch was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[11] During March 2020, A. R. Rahman was approached to compose music for the film,[12] and Nirav Shah was in charge of handling the cinematography.[13] 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.[14]

The film was expected to be made on a huge scale, marking the most expensive film in Nani's career.[15] However, producer Naga Vamsi wanted to cut down the budget citing the pandemic, as the estimated cost was much higher;[16] Vamsi wanted to shelve the project, while Nani was completing the shoot of Tuck Jagadish. Due to differences of opinion between Nani and Vamsi, the production was handed over to Venkat Boyanapalli, who would be producing the film under his newly established banner Niharika Entertainment.[17][18]

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.[19] Director Sankrityan revealed that the film is based on the theme of reincarnation[20][21] and partially set against the backdrop of Kolkata.[22]

Sai Pallavi, who also collaborated with Nani in Middle Class Abbayi, was cast in the film.[23] It was reported that Rashmika Mandanna was approached for a lead role,[24] although Krithi Shetty was finalized later.[25][26] Madonna Sebastian was also confirmed as a lead, marking her come back to the Telugu cinema after Premam (2016).[27] Murali Sharma, Abhinav Gomatam, and Rahul Ravindran were later included in the cast.[28] In March 2021, Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta was signed to play an important role in the film.[29] This also marked the Telugu debut for Bharatanatyam dancer, Leela Samson.

The film was launched at a private ceremony in Hyderabad on 11 December 2020,[30] in the presence of the cast and crew,[31] and Nani's father gave the muhurat shot for the film.[32] Principal photography began on 21 December 2020 in Hyderabad, India.[33][22] A Kolkata-themed street along with the Kalighat Kali Temple was constructed on a budget of ₹6 crores.[34][35] In February 2021, the team began filming crucial scenes in Kolkata.[36] Filming was briefly halted 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 art director Avinash Kolla.[37] Filming was completed on 26 July 2021 and post-production began.[38]

The film was originally scheduled for release on 24 December 2020, coinciding with Christmas,[40] but was eventually postponed as filming was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was released on 24 December 2021. Apart from Telugu, the film was dubbed and released in Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.[41]

Gemini TV acquired the satellite rights of the film in Telugu, while Netflix acquired the digital rights in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.[42][43] The film began streaming through Netflix on 21 January 2022.[44]

Movie overall business valued at ₹130 crore and it collected ₹14 crore in Nizam, ₹36 crore in Andhra Pradesh and in both Telugu speaking states it collected ₹28 crore distributor share of gross ₹53 crore. Total worldwide it collected share of ₹65 crore.[45]

Shyam Singha Roy received mixed to positive reviews with critics praising the performances while criticizing the screenplay.[6]

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu opnied that "This isn't to say that this is a sub par film. But with a little more thought, it could have been way smarter. Despite these niggles, there's plenty going for Shyam Singha Roy".[46] Giving a rating of 3.5 out of 5, Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India wrote: "Shyam Singha Roy might not have a story that's completely out of the box but the staging does have the potential to bowl you over. Barring the underwhelming aspects, give this one a chance this weekend if you're longing for something that's well-made and backed by a stellar cast", appreciating the acting performances of Nani and Sai Pallavi, and the story.[47] Calling it "engrossing", The News Minute's Sowmya Rajendran too gave a rating of 3.5 out of 5. She has praised the screenplay, story, direction and acting by the ensemble cast, commenting that "Sai Pallavi is the show-stealer, performing a role that's tailor-made for her".[48]

Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express called the film "a revolutionary romantic tale". He finally wrote: "To director-writer Rahul Sankrityan's credit, the film's hero lives and fights by the pen, instead of resorting to violence. The period portions of the film is a sight for sore eyes. The retro look of Nani and Sai Pallavi oozes charm. Pallavi's classical dance performance draped in a red saree is a sight to behold. Just her presence on the screen elevates a scene to another level".[49] Firstpost's Sankeertana Varma praised the technical department of the film stating: "Navin Nooli's editing, too, helps intertwine the two timelines to give the viewer a glimpse into Vasu's psyche—what he is seeing and how unclear it all is. Sanu John Varughese's cinematography and Kolla Avinash's production design shoulder the film as well. While Sanu's camera daftly manoeuvres between the two timelines—the way Sai Pallavi's introduction song is shot, choreographed, and cut needs special mention, Avinash's period detailing does transport the viewer to a time gone by".[50] Writing for India Today, Janani K said that "Cinematographer Sanu John Varghese's visuals, especially in the period portions, are exceptional. Music by Mickey J Meyer tugs at our heartstrings. Shyam Singha Roy could have been a taut and crisp story about reincarnation. Since it takes a familiar route, the overall effect takes a dip".[51] Prakash Pecheti of Telangana Today felt that the film falls short of becoming a masterpiece. He further wrote: "'Shyam Singha Roy' would've been an engaging one if characters had some depth in establishing them. One might even think that a realistic approach might have fetched the story well".[52]