RJ Balaji says Vijay was the first choice for Karuppu before Suriya, credits him for improving script

Suriya and Vijay (Pics/Google Images)

Thalapathy Vijay has made a smashing entry into politics, and he has been in the news ever since. However, his last big-screen outing, Jana Nayagan, is stuck in limbo, and audiences are still awaiting its release. Amid this, director RJ Balaji revealed that before Suriya, Karuppu was offered to Vijay and was supposed to be his last film. He also credited Vijay for helping him improve the film.

RJ Balaji reveals Vijay was the first choice for Karuppu

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Balaji said, "This was supposed to be his last film, so we had two or three meetings which went on for some time, discussing things like him entering politics and taking a call as to which film to make as his last film."

When Vijay eventually stepped away from the project, the filmmaker respected his decision. "I felt his reasons were justified. I said, ‘Sir, I absolutely respect your decision, thank you so much,' because by that time I had narrated two films to him when he asked me if I had something. I thought this was a big respect he gave for my work and my creativity," he said.

This ultimately led to Karuppu reaching Suriya. Balaji even thanked Vijay in the film's opening credits, adding, "The entire thing happened because he asked me the right questions after my narration, questions that made my film and my script better." He also shared that Vijay, now serving as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, personally reached out to and congratulated the entire team following the film's release.

About Karuppu

Karuppu, meaning Black, is a fantasy action drama in which Karuppasamy, a guardian deity in Tamil folk religion, disguises himself as a lawyer to fight judicial corruption and save a young girl's life.

For the unaware, the release of Suriya's Karuppu was delayed because of financial hurdles. Negotiations by the producers to secure the film's release did not bear fruit, forcing the makers to cancel the morning shows. The delay in the film's release caused emotional distress to the director, who broke down while giving an update on the status of the film's release. However, the film was released a day later, with the cast and crew attending the FDFS.

Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu stars Suriya alongside Trisha Krishnan and has emerged as one of the biggest Tamil hits of 2026. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the fantasy-action entertainer has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark worldwide within days of its release.