Karuppu director RJ Balaji meets CM Vijay, credits him for 'starting it all'
Director RJ Balaji shared photographs from his meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and thanked him for first hearing Karuppu. The post brought back how Vijay's feedback and eventual exit helped the film finally reach Suriya.
Director RJ Balaji has shared pictures from his recent meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay. He described the experience as "unreal" and thanked him for his role in shaping the journey of his latest film, Karuppu. The Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer is continuing its strong run at the box office.
Posting the pictures on X, Balaji wrote, “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.”
The filmmaker's post comes weeks after he revealed that Vijay was originally considered for the lead role in Karuppu. According to Balaji, the project was initially developed with Vijay in mind and was discussed before the actor decided to step away from cinema and focus entirely on politics.
Vijay was the first choice for Karuppu
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India earlier, Balaji recalled narrating the script to Vijay during multiple meetings. He said the film was envisioned as a potential final acting project for the star before his political transition. However, Vijay ultimately chose not to proceed with the film, citing reasons that Balaji said he respected and understood.'
Balaji explained that Vijay had also been evaluating other projects at the time and later informed him of his decision after considering various factors. Despite not joining the film, Vijay's feedback proved valuable during the script development process.
The director said that Vijay's questions and observations helped him refine the story, adding that the actor's willingness to hear the narration opened doors for the project. Balaji even thanked Vijay in the film's opening credits for his contribution to the creative journey. “That’s how it became a Suriya film eventually. Despite his not doing the film, the fact that he heard the subject landed me the opportunity to make this film. That’s why I thanked him in the opening credits. After listening to my narration, he asked me the right questions, and those questions made my script better,” he said.
After Vijay passed on the project, production house Dream Warrior Pictures suggested that Balaji narrate the story to Suriya. The script eventually found its lead actor in Suriya, who went on to headline the fantasy-action drama.
About Karuppu
The decision appears to have paid off. Karuppu, starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles, has emerged as a major commercial success, crossing Rs 300 crore at the worldwide box office. The film follows the story of Vettai Karuppu, a guardian deity who takes the form of a lawyer to take on corruption and injustice. Besides Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, the film also stars RJ Balaji, Indrans, Anagha Maya Ravi and Natty Subramaniam.
Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu last month. His final film as an actor, Jana Nayagan, is yet to be released because of certification issues.
Director RJ Balaji has shared pictures from his recent meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay. He described the experience as "unreal" and thanked him for his role in shaping the journey of his latest film, Karuppu. The Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer is continuing its strong run at the box office.
Posting the pictures on X, Balaji wrote, “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.”
The filmmaker's post comes weeks after he revealed that Vijay was originally considered for the lead role in Karuppu. According to Balaji, the project was initially developed with Vijay in mind and was discussed before the actor decided to step away from cinema and focus entirely on politics.
Vijay was the first choice for Karuppu
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India earlier, Balaji recalled narrating the script to Vijay during multiple meetings. He said the film was envisioned as a potential final acting project for the star before his political transition. However, Vijay ultimately chose not to proceed with the film, citing reasons that Balaji said he respected and understood.'
Balaji explained that Vijay had also been evaluating other projects at the time and later informed him of his decision after considering various factors. Despite not joining the film, Vijay's feedback proved valuable during the script development process.
The director said that Vijay's questions and observations helped him refine the story, adding that the actor's willingness to hear the narration opened doors for the project. Balaji even thanked Vijay in the film's opening credits for his contribution to the creative journey. “That’s how it became a Suriya film eventually. Despite his not doing the film, the fact that he heard the subject landed me the opportunity to make this film. That’s why I thanked him in the opening credits. After listening to my narration, he asked me the right questions, and those questions made my script better,” he said.
After Vijay passed on the project, production house Dream Warrior Pictures suggested that Balaji narrate the story to Suriya. The script eventually found its lead actor in Suriya, who went on to headline the fantasy-action drama.
About Karuppu
The decision appears to have paid off. Karuppu, starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles, has emerged as a major commercial success, crossing Rs 300 crore at the worldwide box office. The film follows the story of Vettai Karuppu, a guardian deity who takes the form of a lawyer to take on corruption and injustice. Besides Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, the film also stars RJ Balaji, Indrans, Anagha Maya Ravi and Natty Subramaniam.
Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu last month. His final film as an actor, Jana Nayagan, is yet to be released because of certification issues.
