Suriya shares cryptic note after Karuppu director RJ Balaji faces backlash over offering the film to Vijay

Suriya. Pic via Instagram

Filmmaker RJ Balaji recently admitted that he initially pitched Karuppu to Vijay as the actor's final film before he stepped into politics. However, the confession rubbed Suriya's fans the wrong way. When he reiterated the same during his meeting with Vijay, the flak further intensified. To add to it, the film's editor R Kalaivanan in an interview, said that the Suriya-starrer would've been ‘even more explosive' had it had Vijay. Amid backlash for his team, Suriya has now shared a cryptic note about love and kindness.

Suriya shares cryptic note

On Thursday, Suriya shared a minimalist note on his Instagram stories, which reads, "Lead with love. Stay kind. Stay generous." Although he did not mention the context of the story, the timing of the post amid growing criticism of Balaji and Kalaivanan, fans believe he was referring to the controversy.

One fan page shared a screenshot of it on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "Looks like he is watching everything." Another wrote, "Whatever Suriya says, I'll listen. Even if he tells me to leave Twitter, I'll go."

RJ Balaji on Vijay being the first choice for Karuppu

During an interview with THR India, Balaji revealed that Karuppu was initially pitched to be Vijay's final film. "I felt his reasons were justified. I told him, ‘Sir, I absolutely respect your decision. Thank you so much.' By then, I had already narrated two stories to him after he asked me if I had something suitable. I considered that itself a huge sign of respect for my work and creativity," he said, talking about Vijay stepping away from the project.

Later, when he met the TN CM-actor in person, he wrote on X, "With the man who started it all for #Karuppu !!! Wow…! Feels unreal to meet him now as the honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu!!! Same love, warmth, kindness and calmness…!!! Thank you for everything, dearest Vijay sir." Suriya's fans took offence that he was giving credit to vijay for the success of Karuppu over his lead actor.

To add fuel to the fire, editor Kalaivanan, while speaking to SS Music was asked how the film would've been had it starred Vijay. He said, "It could have been even more explosive with scenes more appropriate for his stardom." He also admitted to being his fan.

Following the backlash, he wrote on X, "Really sorry surya anna fans, i didn't mean it, it was totally misunderstood, and completely my fault of using such words, i didn't mean it. Always am grateful to surya anna. Will be careful with my words in future interviews. Let's spread love :heart: Let's Celebrate Karuppu."