Development

On 7 September 2018, Hema Rukmani and Murali Ramasamy of Thenandal Studio Limited announced that they were collaborating with Dhanush for his second directorial after Pa Paandi (2017). Touted to be a bilingual film released in Tamil- and Telugu-languages, Nagarjuna, Aditi Rao Hydari, S. J. Suryah, R. Sarathkumar and Srikanth were brought on board to play as the lead actors, while music composer Sean Roldan, cinematographer Om Prakash and editor Prasanna GK were brought on board to be a part of the main crew. Rukmani stated "It’s an impressive story and is Dhanush’s dream project that he’s had in mind for a long time. He’s very passionate about the film and when we heard the script, we understood why", during the press launch of the venture.^[1][2] Tentatively titled as DD2, filming commenced the same month.^[3] In early March 2019, it was reported that by then the venture was only shot in bits, mainly due to the cast's schedule and the venture was shelved. Later, reports claimed that the venture was not shelved, but put on hold, as Dhanush was busy filming for Asuran (2019).^[4] In June 2020, Selvaraghavan, Dhanush’s older brother, was reported to have been approached to direct a part of venture, as Dhanush was busy with his current commitments.^[5]

In January 2023, talks were going that the directorial's script was to be revived, however, later, the second directorial of Dhanush was reported to be a new script with the production by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures.^[6] On 18 January, the production banner officially announced the project, and was tentatively titled as D50.^[7] Dhanush approached A. R. Rahman compose the score and soundtrack of the film. Marking the project as their fourth time collaboration, the previous ones being Maryan (2013), Raanjhanaa (2013), and Atrangi Re (2021). Dhanush mostly retained the technicians from his film Thiruchitrambalam (2022), including editor Prasanna GK, cinematographer Om Prakash, art director Jacki and costume designer Kavya Sriram.

Casting

Before the announcement in January 2023, Vishnu Vishal and S. J. Suryah were reported to play the lead role in the film, and Dhanush would play a extended cameo appearance in the film.^[8] Post-announcement, Vishnu, himself, confirmed that he was playing the role in the film, but opted out due to schedule conflicts.^[9] Sundeep Kishan, who acted with Dhanush in Captain Miller (2023), was announced to be part of the cast. In mid June, Suryah was confirmed playing the role in the film. Aparna Balamurali and Dushara Vijayan were added to the cast in mid June.^[10] Kalidas Jayaram was also confirmed after being reported to be a part of the cast.^[11] Dhanush's brother Selvaraghavan was reported to be a part of the cast in mid July.^[12] In August, Anikha Surendran was announced to be a part of the cast.^[13] Dhanush had approached musician Deva to play the antagonist in the film as he wanted someone speaking the North Chennai dialect, however, Deva declined the role.^[14] In September, it was reported that Nithya Menen, who previously acted with Dhanush in Thiruchitrambalam, had joined the cast and will be playing the female lead opposite Dhanush.^[15] Varalaxmi Sarathkumar joined the cast the same month and was said to be seen in an important role. She had also acted with Dhanush in Maari 2 (2018).^[16]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on 5 July 2023.^[17] The first schedule was shot with a massive set in Aditya Ram Studios in Chennai. The schedule featured scenes involving Suryah and Sundeep.^[18] On 14 December, Dhanush tweeted that the principal photography had wrapped.^[19]