The film was initially named Kuttramum Thandanai (crime is also a punishment), but music director Ilayaraja suggested that the film be named as Kuttrame Thandanai (crime is the punishment).
The film is based on the novel "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Manikandan had approached actress Aishwarya Rajesh to portray an interesting role in the film, and though the actress initially turned down the offer, she later chose to feature in the film.