Karuppu was written as Vijay's final film before Suriya took over: RJ Balaji
RJ Balaji said Karuppu was originally developed for Vijay before he entered politics. The film later moved to Suriya, whose input shaped the final script.
Filmmaker RJ Balaji has said that Karuppu was originally written for Vijay as the actor-turned-politician’s final screen appearance before entering politics. The film eventually went to Suriya after he read the final version of the script.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Balaji said the project changed course after Vijay decided not to go ahead with it. He said the film later reached Suriya, whose suggestions helped shape the final version of the script, and added that Vijay also congratulated the team after the film’s release.
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 said he respected the 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 added.
The project then moved to Suriya. 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.
Balaji shared that the producers approached him after his meeting with Vijay, asking if he would be willing to narrate the script to Suriya instead. He revealed that Suriya liked the film and suggested changes that helped him arrive at the final script.
The filmmaker highlighted that he thanked Vijay in the film’s opening credits. "The entire thing happened because he asked me the right questions after my narration, questions that made my film and my script better. So I think in spite of him not doing the film, it landed me this film," he concluded.
The filmmaker had also recalled that Vijay, now serving as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, personally reached out to congratulate the entire team after the film’s release.
Karuppu also featured Trisha Krishnan, Swasika, Indrans, Yogi Babu, Sshivada, Natty Subramaniam and Supreeth Reddy in key roles.
The film was theatrically released on May 15, 2026.