Shriya started her movie acting career with the Telugu film Ishtam (2001), produced by Usha Kiran Movies. This first film didn't fare too well at the box office, but she was noticed by many Telugu producers and directors. Soon she signed for Nagarjuna's Santosham (2002), which was a major hit and she didn't have to turn back since then. She was among the top divas of Tollywood. Her later movies, such as Nuvve Nuvve and Bhageeratha, earned her many accolades. She had one of the biggest hits in her career with Chatrapati opposite Prabhas. Shriya is also the brand ambassador for large brands like Brookbond and red label tea.

She made her Tamil movie debut in Enakku 20 Unakku 18 (2003), casted along with Telugu actor Tarun, Trisha Krishnan. The film was an average hit at box-office, but it was more importantly a musical hit due to music composed by A. R. Rahman. She had plenty of glamorous roles lined up for her in Tamil, but instead continued with Tollywood for a year. She has made her comeback in Kollywood through the film Mazhai with Jayam Ravi. The movie did well at the box-office. She beat other top actresses for the much coveted role with Rajinikanth in Shankar's Sivaji: The Boss. She is now acting opposite Vijay in Azhagiya Tamil Magan, Vikram in Kandasaamy. She will be Bobby Deol's heroine in director Sangeet Sivan's new Hindi film produced by K.Sera.