‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ to Guru Dutt, the references for ‘Shyam Singha Roy’

Director Rahul Sankrityan opens up on his film ‘Shyam Singha Roy, starring Nani and Sai Pallavi, that unravels in two timelines

Yesteryear actor Uttam Kumar’s hairstyle, director Guru Dutt’s thin moustache, gelled curly locks and sparkling gaze, Satyajit Ray’s body language, Kamal Haasan’s cuffs in Nayakan were among the several reference points for creating actor Nani’s look for the titular character in the Telugu film Shyam Singha Roy. Director Rahul Sankrityan has been fascinated by the arts, cinema and culture of Bengal and when a story that takes place substantially in Bengal was pitched to him by writer Satyadev Janga, he perked up. “I loved the initial story and we built on it.”

The film scheduled to release on December 24 has a story that unfolds in two timelines — a contemporary space inhabited by new-age filmmaker Vasu (Nani), Krithi Shetty, Madonna Sebastian, Leela Samson and others, and that of Shyam Singha Roy and Sai Pallavi’s character in Bengal of 1969-70.

A guessing game has been on, with film buffs wondering if the story deals with reincarnation or a supernatural element. “There is something more to the story. I will be giving away too much if I discuss at this point,” says Rahul, who takes time out for this interview amid finalising the film’s post- production.