Japan (2023 film)

In mid-March 2020, It was reported that Raju Murugan will be directing a film with actor Karthi.[8] In February 2022, it was reported that the film would commence in May.[9] In end-June, the producer of the film S. R. Prabhu, stated that the shooting would start in July; however, the shooting did not start as stated.[10] In early-September, it was reported that the title Japan.[11] The same month, was it said that the shooting would start in October and the music will be composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ravi Varman will handle the cinematography.[12] A muhurat puja was held in Chennai in the same month, confirming Anu Emmanuel will do the lead actress role and Vijay Milton will have a role in the film, making it his debut as a actor, and Philomin Raj will handle the editing for the film.[13] A first look poster was released in 14 November, revealing Karthi's look in the film.[14] A first glimpse teaser was out in 25 May 2023, coinciding Karthi's birthday, with also confirming the film will be released in Diwali 2023.[15]

In February 2022, reports claimed that Vijay Sethupathi was approached to play the antagonist role.[16] In June, Prabhu stated that they not had approached the actor.[17] Karthi reportedly underwent immerse training for the film.[18] In early-September, Sunil was reported to be a part of the cast.[19] In November, Rashmika Mandanna was reported to play the lead female role, alongside Karthi for the second time after Sulthan (2021), but it turned to be false.[20]

Principal photography commenced on 8 November 2022, with the first schedule in Thoothukudi.[21] The schedule concluded in mid-December. The second schedule in Chennai started a week after the first concluded.[22]