Karuppu director breaks down over delay, hints at 6 pm release for Suriya's film

Director-actor RJ Balaji apologised in a tearful video after Karuppu's morning and afternoon shows were cancelled on release day. The delay put the focus on reported unpaid dues and the team's push for an evening release.

In Short

• RJ Balaji apologised after Karuppu's morning and afternoon shows were cancelled
• He said fans had travelled far and should not face such stress
• The director said the team was pushing for an evening release

Director RJ Balaji broke down in a video message after morning and afternoon shows of Karuppu were cancelled on its scheduled release date, May 14, and apologised to fans who had travelled to theatres for the screenings. Speaking from his car, Balaji said he had not expected the disruption and expressed hope that the film would still release at 6 pm if the issues were resolved.

The delay is linked to reported financial issues around the film, including more than Rs 50 crore in unpaid dues associated with Dream Warrior Pictures, led by SR Prabu. Reports said actor Suriya had stepped in to clear dues related to Karuppu, while the production house would have to address the remaining issues separately.

RJ Balaji apologises to fans

In his video, Balaji said, "I am giving you another update from my car. I hope it's the last one. I am really sorry to all the fans. It shouldn't have happened. You must have travelled from long distances to reach the theatres in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other states to watch the film at 9 am. It shouldn't have happened, and I am sorry for that."

He added, "People watch movies to forget the worries in our lives. I am really sorry to all those who were stressed after learning that they couldn't watch the film. I didn't expect this either. I am really hopeful that the film would release at 6 pm after the issues get resolved."

Director says the team is working towards an evening release

Balaji said he had strongly wished for the film to release on May 14 and do well at the box office. "I manifested that Karuppu would release on May 14 and would become a blockbuster. I am very hopeful. I am tearing up, that's my pain. Everyone is working towards releasing the film today evening at 6 pm," he said.

He also referred to the efforts made by those involved with the project, saying, "A lot of people have let go of so many things. Suriya sir has done so much. Sorry for the delay, and sorry for making you go through this stress. But, I am hoping that it would all be worth it. I believe that the film would release today evening, and you would all like it."

Ending his message on a hopeful note, Balaji said, "As I always say, Karuppan varan. We've faced so many hurdles and continue to face it. But, I strongly believe that the film would release this evening. God is with us. All will be good. I am sorry again, and I hope you all like the movie."

Reported dues at the centre of the delay

According to reports, the delay stemmed from unsettled dues of more than Rs 50 crore in Tamil Nadu. It is said that the said financiers, exhibitors and distributors, who suffered losses due to the production house's previous films, have caused this last-minute hassle. The unsettled dues appear to have become a major obstacle to Karuppu reaching theatres on time.

The financial strain was also reportedly worsened by unpaid location charges linked to EVP Studios near Chennai. These pending dues are said to have created a bottleneck that prevented the final clearance needed for distribution.

Cast and crew

Karuppu stars Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, with Yogi Babu, Jaffer Sadiq, Mansoor Ali Khan and Indrans in supporting roles. The film has music by Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography by GK Vishnu and stunt choreography by Anbariv.

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