Suriya's Karuppu avatar sparks Stranger Things buzz, draws Vecna comparisons

Suriya's Karuppu looks have triggered online comparisons with Stranger Things after theatre clips went viral. The chatter has centred on his Karuppasamy avatar, which fans believed resembled Vecna in the Netflix series.

In Short

• Fans have compared visuals from Karuppu with Stranger Things after clips from theatres went viral
• Viewers pointed to Suriya’s Karuppasamy avatar similar to that of Vecna
• The film stars Suriya, Trisha Krishnan and others in key roles

Suriya’s Karuppu, which finally reached theatres after facing multiple hurdles, has sparked strong reactions among viewers, with fans celebrating the actor’s return to the big screen and social media users drawing comparisons to the Stranger Things character Vecna.

Several fan-shot videos from theatres have gone viral online, with viewers pointing to visual similarities between Suriya’s deity-like avatar in the film and the aesthetic associated with Vecna in the fantasy drama. The discussion has gathered pace as clips and stills from the film continue to circulate on X.

One fan shared a still from Karuppu showing lightning against a red sky and wrote, ‘Cute cameo by Vecna in Karuppu (sic).’ Another user shared the same video and wrote, ‘Vecna who??? *tha KARUPPU DA (sic).’

Another viewer also joined the comparison and wrote, ‘I thought the same. Suriya as Vecna & Trisha as Eleven (sic).’

The sequence being discussed features Suriya appearing as Karuppasamy, a local deity. Viewers have also pointed to several moments in the film featuring red backdrops and neon lighting, with many saying these elements reminded them of the visual world linked to Vecna in Stranger Things.

In the film, Suriya plays Saravanan, a lawyer who takes the form of the local deity Karuppusamy. The story follows a helpless father and daughter who are robbed and trapped within a corrupt legal system.

The film has received a mixed response from viewers. An excerpt from the India Today review said, "Karuppu’s first half is cleverly written by RJ Balaji and team. It sets up the premise and the fantasy element and establishes the context. However, the conflict remains puzzling as the film gets too convenient and bends or breaks the rules as it pleases. This leaves a bitter aftertaste, especially when you sit with the film after the credits."

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