Filmmaker RJ Balaji has addressed the controversy surrounding his comments on the journey of the recent Suriya starrer ‘Karuppu’. The discussion began after social media users felt his remarks placed more emphasis on Vijay compared to Suriya, who eventually led the film. He explained that the intention was to describe how the script moved through different stages before reaching its final form. According to him, the narrative being misread online led to unnecessary comparisons between the two actors.
‘Karuppu’ director explains how the project first took shape
At a recent fan interaction held by Cineulagam, Balaji detailed how the idea for ‘Karuppu’ initially began. He said the first version of the script was narrated to Vijay, which indirectly helped open further professional opportunities.He clarified the sequence of events behind the project’s evolution.“I initially narrated this film to Vijay sir and told him that the whole journey began with him.”He added that this early narration was not part of a finalized collaboration but still played an important role in shaping his next steps as a filmmaker.
Early narration led to wider industry access
RJ Balaji further explained that the connection established through Vijay’s initial hearing of the script helped him gain access to new production circles. He said this was a turning point that eventually led him to present the story to Suriya’s team.“I was able to reach Suriya sir mainly because Vijay sir had already heard this story.”He added that producers who later approached him were already aware of the earlier narration, which strengthened interest in the project. This, according to him, created a natural progression from one stage of development to another.
Balaji credits Suriya for shaping final film
While describing the early journey, Balaji made it clear that the completed film and its success belong to Suriya. He stressed that the final version of Karuppu and its audience reception were entirely shaped by Suriya’s involvement.“For that first door to open, narrating to Vijay sir became the reason. Somewhere in my mind and heart, that holds a very special place,”“We didn’t collaborate on a film together. Suriya sir is the one who actually made the film. Whatever I have in my life today — the love I receive, this life-changing moment — is because I made a film with Suriya sir. But the first door opened because people asked for the story I had earlier narrated to Vijay sir.”
Meeting with Vijay and clarification on reactions
Balaji also spoke about meeting Vijay after the success of ‘Karuppu’. He described the interaction as emotionally significant and said it felt like completing a personal cycle.“Like the pooja we performed for Karuppu at the Masani Amman temple, I felt the journey would feel complete only if I returned to express my gratitude. That is why I went back.”On Vijay’s reaction, he said, “He said it’s a good script and that he knew it would turn out well,”‘Karuppu’ also features Trisha, Swasika, Supreeth Reddy, Indrans, and Sshivada in key roles. The movie is now streaming on OTT.
