New Delhi:Writer-director RJ Balaji, who is riding high on the success of Karuppu starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about the film. He said the project was initially conceived with actor-politician Vijay, who is now the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in mind, as it was to be his last film before entering politics. But the role went to Suriya later.
In an interview to The Hollywood Reporter, RJ Balaji spoke about Karuppu and shared that he first approached Thalapathy Vijay with the film but he backed out of the project. Later the film was taken by Suriya. He also suggested and helped him to finalize the script.
RJ Balaji reveals Karuppu was going to be Vijay’s last film before joining politics
"There were two or three meetings which went on for some time and we discussed things like him entering politics and taking a call as to which film to make as his last film," RJ Balaji shared. RJ Balaji said that the film was supposed to be his last film and he had a few meetings with actor turned politician Vijay.
Later Vijay decided to walkout of the project which was accepted by RJ Balaji. I said, “Sir, I respect your decision fully, thank you so much.” He said, “I felt his reasons were justified,” because by then I had narrated two films to him when he asked me if I had something. I felt this was a great respect for my work and creativity.
RJ Balaji said that the producers approached him and asked if he could narrate the film to actor Suriya as he had already narrated the film to actor Thalapathy Vijay. Suriya liked the script and also made suggestions which helped the director finalise it, he said.
RJ Balaji also said in the same conversation that he thanked Thalapathy Vijay in the opening credits of Karuppu. "The whole thing happened because he asked me the right questions after my narration, questions that made my film and my script better. So I think even though he didn't do the film, it got me this film."
Vijay’s last movie before he went into politics
It may be noted that actor-politician C Joseph Vijay alias Thalapathy Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026 at Jawarharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. His last film before he entered politics was Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth. The film was supposed to release on January 9, 2026 but it got delayed due to certification and is yet to be released in theatres.
Apart from Vijay, the film also stars Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles. Directed by Venkat K Narayana for KVN Productions, this Tamil action thriller is set for release. The production house also backed Yash’s upcoming film, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.
See also: