‘Karuppu’, the Tamil action drama starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, has crossed Rs 200 crore at the worldwide box office. But the film almost had a very different face in the lead role. Director RJ Balaji has revealed that ‘Karuppu’ was first planned with actor-politician Vijay in mind. It was meant to be his last film before stepping into politics.
This revelation came during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India. Balaji spoke openly about how the project began and how it eventually landed with Suriya.
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Why Vijay said no
Vijay did not sign the film. His last film before entering politics turned out to be Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, which features Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol in key roles. The film has faced its own delays and is yet to release in theatres.
Balaji did not reveal the exact reason Vijay turned down ‘Karuppu’. But the director made it clear that the interaction with Vijay was not a wasted one.
Vijay’s questions made the script better
Balaji credited Vijay for improving the film, saying that after his narration, Vijay asked him the right questions. Those questions made the film and the script better. Balaji said that despite Vijay not doing the film, the interaction helped him land the project in a stronger shape.
So in a way, Vijay shaped ‘Karuppu’ without ever starring in it.
To acknowledge this, Balaji thanked Thalapathy Vijay in the opening credits of ‘Karuppu’. It is a rare gesture in Tamil cinema.
Suriya stepped in and made it his own
After Vijay moved on to his political career, the script found its way to Suriya. Suriya not only took on the lead role but also contributed to shaping the final script. The film released on 14 May 2026, under the production banner Dream Warrior Pictures, with music by Sai Abhyankkar.
The release itself was not smooth. The film faced several months of delays due to production and scheduling hurdles, including unfinished CGI and a pushed release date. It was originally slated for a Diwali 2025 release.
Morning shows were also cancelled on opening day despite receiving special permission from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay himself for 9 am screenings.
Balaji takes on the critics
The film has been a commercial hit, but reviews have been mixed. Critics called it loud, heavy-handed, and reminiscent of YouTube skits. Balaji pushed back firmly, saying critics are not in sync with the reality of how audiences are receiving the film.
Balaji said he personally feels the audience must be respected and that they are not ‘dumb’ people. He compared the critical dismissal of ‘Karuppu’ to the way some dismissed Vijay’s electoral win, pointing out that people voted for Vijay because of sentiment and emotion, and that audiences like ‘Karuppu’ because they feel connected to it.