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Director and actor RJ Balaji broke down in an emotional Instagram video that went viral on May 14 morning, as his film Karuppu — starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, failed to make it to screens on its scheduled release date of May 14.

The crisis had been building behind the scenes. Producer SR Prabhu had shared an update on X as early as 1 AM on May 14, apologising to audiences: “Due to unavoidable reasons 9am shows will be cancelled for Karuppu. Our sincere apologies to everyone!” The cancellations then spread through the day, with the noon, matinee and evening shows subsequently called off as well.

Also Read: From audio launch snub to becoming face of trailer: Trisha’s Karuppu pivot

The timing made the blow sharper. Just the day before, the Karuppu team had thanked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay for granting special permission for 9 AM first-day-first-show screenings, posting on X: “Special thanks to our honourable Chief Minister Thiru. Joseph Vijay for granting the special permission for the 9AM shows of #Karuppu.”

‘I am really sorry, this shouldn’t have happened’

In his emotional video, RJ Balaji said: “I am really sorry, this shouldn’t have happened. The reason we go to films is to forget our problems and relax, but going to a film shouldn’t become a stress in itself. I apologise to all in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and wherever you bought a ticket and waited. I have hope that the film will be released this evening, with all problems resolved. I have manifested before that the film will release on May 14 and will be a blockbuster. I hope it happens. Like I said before, ‘Karuppan varaan, vazhi vidu, marikaatha‘ (Karuppan is coming, make way, don’t hinder). But some people and a few things keep hindering it.” He then broke down mid-sentence.

The production itself had been a long road, RJ Balaji had noted on X the previous day that the film was 32 months in the making, adding: “This film has always had hurdles, and somehow God has made us sail through all that. This time as well, I have faith.”

Also Read: ‘Jana Nayagan’ expected to release in two weeks | Producer

Financial fault line

Neither the production house nor RJ Balaji have officially named the cause of the delay. However, reports indicate the release may proceed only if a financial settlement of nearly ₹50 crore linked to Dream Warrior Pictures is resolved. Concerns had already been circulating a day earlier, with theatre owners hinting at unresolved issues behind the scenes. Notably, this is not the first time a Dream Warrior Pictures project has encountered last-minute release complications.

Theatre owners caught in crossfire

Vishnu Kamal, director of Kamala Cinemas in Vadapalani, confirmed the situation to frustrated fans, writing on social media: “Just received a call from the distributor side informing us that the release of Karuppu is now expected only from this evening. Hence, noon and matinee shows will be cancelled and refunds will be initiated shortly. This is truly heartbreaking for everyone who had been eagerly waiting. We completely understand the disappointment and share the same sadness with you all.”

When pressed on whether the film would release at all during the day, he was candid: “Bro, this is completely a producers’ side issue, so the final call depends on them. We are also eagerly waiting and sincerely hoping things get sorted out quickly.”

Nikilesh Suriya, Managing Director of Rohini Silver Screens, one of Chennai’s most prominent cinemas, was more pointed in his criticism. He wrote: “There’s no greater sin in cinema equivalent to wasted revenue potential and making fans suffer on a weekday morning by not giving clarity. And as last in the chain, we have to bear the brunt of fan fury — which is absolutely justified.”

With advance bookings disrupted and scheduled screenings halted across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, exhibitors and distributors are expected to face significant financial losses.

Karuppu expected to end Suriya’s rough patch

Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu features Suriya in the lead role alongside Trisha Krishnan, with a supporting cast that includes Indrans, Natty Subramaniam, Swasika, Sshivada, and Jaffer Sadiq. The film revolves around a clash between a corrupt lawyer and the protagonist, and carries high expectations for Suriya, whose last two outings — A while and Retro — failed to live up to their blockbuster billing.