Featuring Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead roles, the film has soundtrack and original score composed by A. R. Rahman and cinematography by Ravi Varman.

Principal photography of the film commenced on 8 July 2016 in Ooty.

The film was shot in Hyderabad, Leh, Ladakh, Chennai and Belgrade, and was completed in January 2017.

For the character of a pilot in the film, Karthi underwent CrossFit programme to lose weight and was trained the basics of aircraft.

Sai Pallavi was auditioned for the lead female, to play the role of a doctor in the project. However, due developments in the script over time, Sai Pallavi opted out of the project. She was replaced by Aditi Rao Hydari.

Mani Ratnam and team began reconnaissance by April 2016 to seek out replacements to resemble Kashmir, scouting areas including Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Kodaikanal, Ooty and Coonoor.

The film's first look poster was revealed in early July 2016, with the title of Kaatru Veliyidai, inspired by a poem by Subramania Bharati.

Art director Amaran and production designer Sharmishta Roy worked together on designing the set during the first schedule, choosing to enhance existing backgrounds rather than to create lavish sets.

Sri Thenandal Films will be releasing the film throughout Tamil Nadu, Sri Venkateswara Creations bought the Telugu dubbing rights for the film and will simultaneously release the Telugu version under the title Cheliyaa.

The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 April 2017.