Recently, when RJ Balaji candidly admitted that Karuppu was initially pitched to be Vijay’s final film, it rubbed Suriya’s fans the wrong way. When he reiterated the same during his meeting with Vijay, the flak against him only intensified. It did not help matters when the film’s editor R Kalaivanan remarked in an interview that the film would’ve been ‘even more explosive’ had it starred Vijay. Amid backlash for his team, Suriya posted a cryptic note about love and kindness.
Suriya’s cryptic note as Karuppu team faces backlash
On Thursday, Suriya posted a minimalist note on his Instagram stories. It reads, “Lead with love. Stay kind. Stay generous.” Given that he posted the note amid growing criticism of Balaji and Kalaivanan, many fans took it to mean he was referring to the controversy.
“Looks like he is watching everything,” wrote one fan posting a screenshot of it on X (formerly Twitter). Another wrote, “Whatever Suriya says, I’ll listen. Even if he tells me to leave Twitter, I’ll go.” Numerous others also posted it, with comments indicating they had received the message.
What did RJ Balaji and Kalaivanan say?
In an interview with THR India, Balaji revealed that Karuppu was 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,” said the filmmaker-actor, talking about Vijay stepping away from the project.
When he met the TN CM-actor in person a few days later, 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 told SS Music, “It could have been even more explosive with scenes more appropriate for his stardom,” when asked how the film would’ve been had it starred Vijay. He also admitted to being his fan. After 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.”
Karuppu gave Suriya the hit he had been waiting for a long time. The film grossed ₹300 crore worldwide, according to the film’s team.