Doctor (2021 film)

On 20 August 2019, sources claimed that Sivakarthikeyan has signed a new project, with his close friend Nelson Dilipkumar, after directing Kolamavu Kokila (2018). It was initially slated to be produced by Sony Pictures India in their maiden production in Tamil,[3] along with Vishnu Vardhan Induri's production banner, Vibri Media and Entertainment.[4] Anirudh Ravichander was roped in to score music for the film, marking his sixth collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan,[5] and the project was reported to be kickstarted in late 2019, only after the completion of Sivakarthikeyan's commitments in other projects.[5] In a turn of events, both the producers opted out of the project, and Sivakarthikeyan was reported to be producing the film under his own banner Sivakarthikeyan Productions, whilst KJR Studios was being roped in as the co-producers.[6] On 2 December 2019, Sivakarthikeyan unveiled the title of the film as Doctor.[7][8]

In November 2019, Kavin was reported to be a part of the film's cast,[9] but no official confirmation being revealed from the producer's side.[10] On December 2019, sources claimed that Priyanka Arul Mohan will be seen opposite Sivakarthikeyan, in a leading role, marking her debut in Tamil cinema.[11] Vinay Rai and Yogi Babu also joined the cast within the same month,[12][13] with the former playing the antagonist.[14] Archana Chandhoke was reported to a be part of the film's cast along with her daughter Zaara Vineet and Ilavarasu.[15][16] Sivakarthikeyan was reported to shed some kilos for his role in the film.[17]

The film was launched on 6 December 2019,[18] with a puja ceremony in Chennai, followed by which principal shoot has began.[19] On 6 January 2020, the makers wrapped the first schedule of the film, and kickstarted the second schedule of the film.[17] As reports stated, the makers planned to shoot one half of the film in Chennai, and the other half in Goa.[17] On 12 February 2020, Sivakarthikeyan and Nelson went for a recce in Goa, to scout the locations for shoot.[20] The second schedule commenced in Goa, officially on 14 February 2020, and was shot for 14 days, before completing it on 28 February 2020.[20][21] The film's shoot got halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India and nationwide lockdown, with 80% of the film's shoot been completed, as of May 2020.[22]

On 15 September, it was reported that the makers planned to resume the shoot later this month in Chennai, with a final schedule and few talkie portions were expected to be wrapped up within a single stretch of 12 days.[22] The shoot was later resumed in 26 September, with minimal crew adhering to government rules and regulations.[23] A special team was designated to observe the film crew, including the director and actor, were abiding the COVID-19 protocol.[24] The final portions of the film, including one song was expected to be completed as of November 2020.[25] The principal shooting of the film was completed on 3 January 2021.[26][27][28]

The post-production process of the film officially kick started on 11 May 2020, after the government granted permission to resume post-production works of Tamil films.[29] The editing works of the film have been resumed during the process.[30] On 17 September, the makers started the dubbing of the film, with a traditional puja ceremony.[31] Archana Chandhoke started dubbing for the film, during the process.[32] Sivakarthikeyan completed the dubbing portions of the film on 1 February 2021, thus post-production works were completed.[33][34]