Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy

About the film

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language epic historical action drama film directed by Surender Reddy and produced by Ram Charan under the Konidela Production Company banner. Reddy scripted the film based on an original story given by Paruchuri brothers. A work of fiction, the film is inspired by the life of Indian independence activist Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy from the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The film stars Chiranjeevi in the title character, with an ensemble cast including Sudeep, Vijay Sethupathi, Ravi Kishan, Jagapathi Babu, Nayanthara and Tamannaah Bhatia. Amitabh Bachchan (in his Telugu film debut) and Anushka Shetty make guest appearances. Pawan Kalyan, Kamal Haasan, and Mohanlal gave narration in the film to their respective languages. The film tells the story of Narasimha Reddy in his fight against the rule of the British East India Company.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy was officially launched on 22 August 2017, coinciding with Chiranjeevi's birthday. Principal photography for the film began on 6 December 2017 and wrapped up on 24 June 2019. The film was shot in Hyderabad and Kerala with some scenes filmed in Georgia. The film's cinematography was handled by R. Rathnavelu, and it was edited by A. Sreekar Prasad. The soundtrack was composed by Amit Trivedi, while the background score was done by Julius Packiam.

Plot

By 1857, the Indian subcontinent is in the grips of a widespread revolt against the rule of the British East India Company. The city of Jhansi is under siege by the British, and the defending soldiers begin to waver upon seeing that they are outnumbered. However, their queen, Rani Lakshmi Bai, motivates them by telling the tale of the rebel who started their war 10 years ago: Narasimha Reddy.

Reddy was born to the chief of Uyyalawada in the state of Hyderabad and his two wives are the daughters of the Nizam's chief. He defied death after being born still and coming to life, and is believed to be blessed by God with demonstrated athletic and acrobatic skills from a young age. One day, a teenage Reddy rides past an execution conducted by the British, and his grandfather explains the predicament faced by villagers under the rule of the East India Company. Reddy vows to retaliate and learns combat and philosophy under sage Gosayi Venkanna. 25 years later, Reddy gathers several fallen chiefs and kings from different provinces and organises a fully operational resistance in the city of Renadu. The kingdoms were taken over by British forces led by Cochrane, the governor of Madras. Cochrane is told of Reddy's resistance being effective against their rule and sends a general named Jackson to forcefully collect Renadu's taxes.

Reddy meets the dancer Lakshmi and saves her life from stampeding cattle, who have been drugged by fellow chief Avuku Raju, who is known to have hostility towards Reddy for his popularity. Reddy rounds up the cattle, forgives Avuku, and also displays feelings for Lakshmi. This comes to nothing as a child marriage has already been conducted between Reddy and a girl named Siddhamma, who has had feelings for Reddy even then. Due to omens, they were separated and reunited for a yagam. Upon learning this, Lakshmi attempts suicide, but Reddy convinces her to give life another chance. In the meantime, Jackson raids and pillages the surrounding regions of Renadu, and challenges Reddy by killing villagers who speak against him. In retaliation, Reddy attacks Jackson's home by himself and kills all of his soldiers. He eventually beheads him and sends his head to Cochrane.

Production

Following the phenomenal success of the Chiranjeevi-starrer Khaidi No. 150 (2017), Ram Charan, who made his production debut through this film, announced that he will collaborate with his father Chiranjeevi for the second time. Touted to be mostly based on the life of Indian independence activist Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy from the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, the script was written by Paruchuri brothers, and was rumoured to cast Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, opposite Chiranjeevi, although her dates had not been finalised. Amitabh Bachchan and Ravi Kishan were reported to sign in pivotal roles. In June 2017, a still featuring Chiranjeevi in a tweaked moustache went viral, with many fans supposed to mention about his look for the film. On 22 August 2017, the makers released the motion poster of the film, revealing the title as Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, and was announced that the film will be made on a budget of ₹125 crore. It was revealed that the makers spent more than ₹45 crore on the film's visual effects out of its total budget.

Soon after the launch of the film, Vijay Sethupathi and Amitabh Bachchan was hired to play a crucial role in the film, marking their debuts in the Telugu film industry. Sudeepa, Jagapathi Babu and Nayanthara were hired to play pivotal characters. Bachchan was essayed to play a short role of Chiranjeevi's mentor in the film, while Vijay Sethupathi's role was reported to be a close aide of the protagonist. Tamannaah Bhatia was hired to play the second female lead in April 2018. Chiranjeevi's niece Niharika Konidela, was hired for a crucial sequence in September 2018. In May 2019, Anushka Shetty was confirmed to play a cameo role in the film. She was reportedly playing the role of Rani Lakshmibai, in which the story was narrated through her perspective.

Key details