Doctor (2021 film)

***Doctor*** is an upcoming Indian medical action comedy film directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The film stars Sivakarthikeyan who also produced it under his banner Sivakarthikeyan Productions, whereas KJR Studios served as the co-producer and distributor. The film also stars Vinay Rai, Priyanka Arul Mohan (in her Tamil debut) and Yogi Babu, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography performed by Vijay Kartik Kannan and editing by R. Nirmal.

## Cast

* Sivakarthikeyan as Dr. Varun
* Vinay Rai as Shiva
* Priyanka Arul Mohan as Anjali/Anjani (TBA)
* Yogi Babu
* Ilavarasu
* Deepa Shankar
* Redin Kingsley
* Arun Alexander
* Archana Chandoke
* Zaara Vineet

## Production

### Development

On 20 August 2019, sources claimed that Sivakarthikeyan had signed a new project, with his close friend Nelson Dilipkumar, after directing *Kolamavu Kokila* (2018). It was initially slated to be produced by the Indian branch of Sony Pictures in their maiden production in Tamil, along with Vishnu Vardhan Induri's production banner, Vibri Media and Entertainment. Anirudh Ravichander was roped in to score music for the film, marking his sixth collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan, and the project was reported to be kickstarted in late 2019, only after the completion of Sivakarthikeyan's commitments in other projects. 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. On 2 December 2019, Sivakarthikeyan unveiled the title of the film as *Doctor*. The first look which released on 17 February 2020 (Sivakarthikeyan's birthday) was noted for its resemblance to a poster of Dhanush's shelved project *Doctors*.

### Casting

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

### Filming

The film was launched on 29 November 2019, with a puja ceremony in Chennai, followed by principal shoot. On 6 January 2020, the makers wrapped the first schedule of the film, and kickstarted the second schedule of the film. As reports stated, the makers planned to shoot one half of the film in Chennai, and the other half in Goa. On 12 February 2020, Sivakarthikeyan and Nelson went for a recce in Goa, to scout the locations for shoot. The second schedule commenced in Goa, officially on 14 February 2020, and was shot for 14 days, before completing it on 28 February 2020. 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.

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. The shoot was later resumed in 26 September, with minimal crew adhering to government rules and regulations. A special team was designated to observe the film crew, including the director and actor, were abiding the COVID-19 protocol. The final portions of the film, including one song was expected to be completed as of November 2020. The principal shooting of the film was completed on 3 January 2021.

### Post-production

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

## Doctor (2021 film)

### Third Single release

26 February 2021

The film's soundtrack album is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his sixth collaboration with Sivakarthikeyan, and second collaboration with Nelson Dilipkumar. In February 2020, Sony Music India secured the film's audio rights. The film's first single "Chellamma" was composed during the lockdown. The song was penned by Sivakarthikeyan himself, which had lines about TikTok being banned in India, and was sung by Anirudh and Jonita Gandhi. It was released on 24 July 2020, and the song went viral upon its release, crossing 120 million views as of September 2021.

The second single "Nenjame" was released on 28 August 2020. It features a promotional video, directed by Nelson himself, featuring Sivakarthikeyan and Priyanka Arul Mohan, shot in monochrome by cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan. It was reported that the song will be featured as a montage in the film. The third single "So Baby" was released on 26 February 2021, and is a "classical-western" fusion song.

Doctor
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Summary

## Release

Initially scheduled for a theatrical release in late 2020, the film was postponed as shooting and post-production processes came to halt due to the lockdown. In November 2020, the makers announced for a theatrical release during April 2021, refuting rumours of a digital release.

The makers announced that the film would be released on 26 March 2021, but later postponed due to the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election taking place in April. Later the makers announced that the film will be scheduled to release in Eid on 13 May 2021. As of June 2021, the release date of the film has been postponed indefinitely due to rise in COVID-19 cases and state lockdown in Tamil Nadu. The film was later scheduled to release in 9 October 2021.