Karthi-Raju Murugan's Japan joins the Diwali race 

Diwali is an important time for Tamil cinema, and as always the clamour to make it to the screens on D-Day is high. With Sivakarthikeyan-Ravikumar's much-awaited Ayalaan and Karthik Subbaraj's Jigarthanda Double X, starring Raghava Lawrence and SJ Suryah, reserving a seat on the Diwali bus already, the next big-ticket Tamil film to join the ride is Karthi's milestone 25th film, Japan. 

Directed by Raju Murugan, Japan was speculated to hit the screens on Diwali, and the makers took to social media to announce the same. Backed by Dream Warrior Pictures, the release date announcement was made on Thursday to mark the birthday of Karthi, who turned 46. 

Japan marks the second collaboration between director Raju Murugan and Dream Warrior Pictures after Joker. However, the project joins the long list of Karthi films backed by the banner, including Saguni, Kashmora, Theeran Adhigaram Ondru, Kaithi and Sultan. 

Apart from Karthi, Japan stars Anu Emmanuel, Sunil, and cinematographer-filmmaker Vijay Milton in pivotal roles.

While the music of Japan is by GV Prakash Kumar, the cinematography and editing is by Ravi Varman, and Philomin Raj, respectively.

Although Karthi's luck during Diwali started off with mixed results owing to the responses to All in All Azhagu Raja, and Kaashmora, he has had a stellar run the last two times with Kaithi and Sardar becoming critically acclaimed blockbusters. Where will Japan place itself this Diwali? It will be an interesting wait for everyone involved.