Hero Karthi is ready to entertain 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 is playing the heroine. The already released teaser, trailer and songs of the film have received tremendous response. Annapurna Studios is releasing this movie in Telugu states. Japan’s ‘Diwali’ will be released on November 10 in grand theaters. On this occasion, director Raju Murugan shared the features of the Japan film in a press conference. ‘Telugu Funda Wishes Movie Japan to be a huge Blast in the theatres’
Having worked as a journalist and writer, you are a successful filmmaker who is impressing the audience. Who inspired you to enter films?
Charlie Chaplin was a great inspiration for me to get into movies. I have worked as a journalist, writer and social worker. After watching Charlie Chaplin’s films, when a silent film evoked so many thoughts and emotions, it seemed that people could be connected to people through cinema using today’s technology. I entered the film industry with that inspiration.
In a very short period of time, he gained recognition as an original filmmaker. How did it feel to get the national award for your film Joker?
There is no thought of taking pictures for awards. Audience recognition is important. I consider the awards as an added bonus. The love, admiration and affection of the audience is very important to me. Taking the award for the film ‘Joker’ with the love and affection of the audience was a great joy
.
Did you work with director Linguswamy? What kind of things did you learn from him?
I learned film making from Linguswamy. Linguswamy’s films are in the action genre and have a good poetic feel. All his films are commercial but have a touch of class. I learned from him how to make a commercial film with a poetic touch.
A very special story of ‘Japan’ is understood after watching the teaser and trailer. The promotional content is getting great response from the audience. How did the idea of making a ‘Japan’ film with Karthi start?
There were no big heroes in my earlier films. Karti is a good friend. I like him very much. A socially responsible person. When he met him, he promised to do the project if he wrote a good story with humor. Karthi Gare motivated me to do this story. When a film is made with big heroes like Karthi garu, the message reaches the audience on a massive scale.
A Japanese character driven film. I wrote with Karti sir in mind. Producers Prabhu and Prakash have been good friends for a long time. I did ‘Joker’ with them. He said that he will make this film when he tells the story of Japan. Along with the budget, they have supported a lot in all ways. It is with the cooperation of Karthi, producers Prabhu and Prakash that Japan is coming to the audience in such a grand way. Audiences will definitely enjoy ‘Japan’. Japan entertains the audience with a new experience.
Karthi is a typical actor. He adapts himself well in the roles he plays. How did you convince him to do this role? What kind of suggestions did Karti give?
Karthi garu shared some ideas and suggestions during the making of the film. This film became so big only with his support. Karthi garu asks a lot of questions during the shooting of the film while telling the stories. We also wonder why so many questions are asked. His questions provoke many new ideas in us. Working with Karthi was a wonderful experience.
The visuals in the Japanese trailer are amazing How was it working with DOP Ravi Varman sir?
S. Ravi Varman sir is one of the leading cameramen of India. He and Karthi sir are in sync very well. Both of them have already done two films together. His contribution to the film is amazing. Telling Japan’s story requires international making. We took Ravi Varman for this. He took the quality of the movie to the next level with his performance.
The Japanese cast is very versatile. Ravikumar sir, Anu Emmanuel, Sunil will be seen in different roles, Tell me about Dini?
The actors have to be selected according to the demand of the script. Japan has a good cast. Sunil sir’s role is very important. Sunil is a very good person. The character was done brilliantly. Also, Anu Emmanuel, Ravikumar sir and all others have given good performances.
About GV Prakash’s music? .
The music by GV Prakash is great. He worked hard for music. Even though he was very busy with a tight schedule, he was very cooperative. Similarly, editor Philomin Raj, art director Banglan.. all the entire technical team were very supportive.
Looking at the Japanese trailer, it seems that a lot has been spent on the locations.. What kind of locations have they shot in?
In this regard, the producers should be appreciated first. The film was given the freedom it needed and a good budget. No compromise anywhere. We shot the film in a grand manner in many locations like Thoothukudi, Kashmir, Kerala, Chennai, Hyderabad – Ramoji Film City. The producer Prabhugaru told me that he wants to do another film with me, which gave me great joy.
You are also a songwriter… what inspires you to write lyrics? Also, he directed an episode in the web series “Modern Love Chennai”. Tell me about it?
Oddly enough I am a writer. Lyricist Sri Yuga Bharti is like a brother to me. I stayed in his room in the early days when I came to Chennai for films. I am inspired by him.
Director Kumararaja Thyagaraju is the producer of “Modern Love Chennai” series. He is my good friend. I was asked to direct an episode. As it is a love based theme, I agreed to direct it. I am ready to direct love stories and love theme movies.
What are your strengths.. What kind of films do you hope to entertain the audience?
I want 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 it. All my films are made with passion. We believe that Japan will take us to the next level.
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