Interview : Raju Murugan – Japan is a character-driven film
Published on Nov 9, 2023 8:30 pm IST

Karthi is ready to amuse the audience with his 25th film, Japan. Directed by Raju Murugan of Joker fame, this pan-India heist thriller is produced by SR Prakash Babu and SR Prabhu under the Dream Warrior Pictures banner. Anu Emmanuel played the heroine. The teaser, trailer, and songs have received good responses. Annapurna Studios is releasing this movie in Telugu states on November 10th. Ahead of the release, we had a brief interaction with the director, and here is the transcript.

How did the film start?

Karthi was the one who motivated me to write Japan’s story. There were no big heroes in my earlier films. Karthi is a good friend of mine. When I met him, he promised to do a film with me if I wrote a good story with neat humor. The message reaches a broader audience when a film is made with big heroes like Karthi Garu.

 

How was it working with Dream Warrior Pictures?

Japan is a character-driven film. I wrote the story keeping Karthi sir in mind. Producers Prabhu and Prakash have been good friends for a long time. I did Joker with them. They supported me in all ways. Their cooperation made Japan possible.

 

How was the working experience with Karthi?

Karthi is a non-stereotypical actor who comes up with different films and adapts himself to all the roles naturally. He gave many suggestions while we were shooting. Karthi Garu keeps asking many questions. His questions provoked many new ideas, and it was wonderful working with Karthi sir.

 

How has been your film journey?

I started as a journalist. I am also a writer and social worker. After watching Charlie Chaplin’s films, a thought struck my mind. If a silent film can evoke many thoughts and emotions, we can do much better and connect to people through today’s technology. I don’t make films for awards. Audience recognition is important.

 

What kind of films do you wish to do?

I am ready to do all kinds of films, big or small. I believe that if we make films that we like first, the audience will definitely appreciate them. I worked on all my films passionately, and I believe Japan will take us to the next level.