Sarkaru Vaari Paata

After the success of Geetha Govindam (2018), Parasuram eventually narrated the script for his next project to Vishnu Manchu,[7] Sai Dharam Tej[8] and Akhil Akkineni,[9] produced by Geetha Arts, although neither of the actors were reported to sign on board. In May 2019, Parasuram narrated a script to Mahesh Babu, which is based on a vigilante story, and was expected to begin shooting later, although the project was not finalised, as Babu is yet to take a call.[10] Mahesh Babu later decided to work with Vamshi Paidipally on December 2019, in their reunion after Maharshi,[11] while in the meantime, Parasuram announced a fresh project on November 2019, with Naga Chaitanya in the leading role and was touted to be a remake of the Bollywood film Chhichhore (2019).[12] 14 Reels Plus, a production company headed by Ram Achanta and Gopichand Achanta,[13] bankrolled the project, which was tentatively titled as #NC20 and was launched on 14 December 2019 at the office of the film's production house.[14] In 12 February 2020, Rashmika Mandanna was roped in as the leading lady,[15] and on the same day, the makers registered the film's title as Nageshwara Rao in the Film Chamber, which was named after the actor’s grandfather and legendary Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, which was touted to go on floors on May 2020.[16] However on 26 February 2020, sources claimed that the project was put on hold,[17] as the director decided to change his minds, and approached Mahesh Babu to shoot for his next project.[18][19]

In an interview with an online portal, Parasuram stated that "The project we planned with Chaitanya (Nageshwara Rao) was not shelved, but the time to resume shooting now stands delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India. I had made a deal with the producers, to start the work on the project, after the completion of Mahesh Babu's film."[20][21] Babu decided to prioritise his work with Parasuram, before his starting his next project with Vamsi,[19] after he read the script written by the former in April 2020.[22] An official announcment was made during May 2020, with Parasuram eventually stating it as a "dream come true" moment, as he ventured into the film industry, after watching Okkadu (2003), and planned to make a film with Mahesh Babu, as the lead.[23] He further added that, the film will have commercial elements, which will satisfy all kinds of fans.[23] Ram and Gopichand Achanta, agreed to fund Parasuram's project under their banner 14 Reels Plus, in collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers and Mahesh Babu's home banner G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment.[22] On the occasion of Krishna Ghattamaneni's birthday (31 May 2020),[24] the makers officially announced the project with the film being titled as Sarkaru Vaari Paata.[25][26]

S. Thaman, who was eventually roped in for Mahesh's project with Vamshi Paidipally,[27] was announced as the film's music director.[28] This film marked the fourth collaboration of Mahesh Babu and Thaman, after Dookudu, Businessman and Aagadu.[29] During the film's announcement, the technical team of the film consists of cinematographer P. S. Vinod,[30] editor Marthand K. Venkatesh and production designer A. S. Prakash.[31] Vinod was eventually replaced by R. Madhi as the cinematographer, as he opted out due to schedule conflicts.[3] During mid-April 2020, Kannada actor Upendra and Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor were reported to be a part of the film's cast, which did not come true.[32][33] In June 2020, Kiara Advani and Saiee Manjrekar were initially considered as the lead actress.[34][35] But the very same month, Keerthy Suresh was reported to play one of the two female leads,[36] and Nivetha Thomas was reported to play a crucial role.[37] In July 2020, sources claimed that Keerthy Suresh will paly a role of the bank executive in the film.[38]

In mid-July 2020, Bhagyashree was approached for a crucial role in the film.[39] The following month Ananya Panday, was reported to play the second heroine, although an official confirmation was not unveiled.[40] In September 2020, Vidya Balan was reported to play the mother of Mahesh Babu's character in the film,[41] and Arvind Swamy was reported to play an antagonist role.[42] An official confirmation regarding Keerthy Suresh's inclusion was made on 17 October 2020, coincding her birthday.[43][44] During the start of the shoot in January 2021, Vennela Kishore and Subbaraju were included in the cast and also joined the production.[3]

Despite the project announced on May 2020, Mahesh Babu advised Parasuram not to start the shoot anytime in 2020,[25] citing the necessity of safety precautions of the cast and crew members due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[45] In September 2020, Parasuram and his team went to US, for a location scouting, in order to shoot the film.[46] It was announced that Mahesh Babu and Keerthy Suresh will start shooting for the film only after January 2021.[47] A simple launch ceremony was held on 21 November 2020 in Hyderabad,[48] with Sitara Ghattamaneni clapped the first shot, and Namrata Shirodkar switched on the camera.[49] In a tweet regarding the launch, Parasuram eventually slated that the film will start the shooting in 1 January 2021.[50] It was expected to be shot primarily in the United States, Hyderabad and Dubai.[51][52] The principal photography commenced on 25 January 2021 at Dubai.[3][53]