'Karuppu': Suriya, Trisha Actioner Encounters Release Delays; Shows Cancelled

Suriya and Trisha Krishnan’s much-awaited Tamil film Karuppu ran into trouble on its release day after its scheduled 9 am and 11 am morning shows as well as the afternoon screenings were abruptly cancelled today, disappointing fans who had gathered at theatres for the first screenings.

Producer SR Prabhu announced the development in the early hours of May 14 through a post on X. “Due to unavoidable reasons 9am shows will be cancelled for Karuppu. Our sincere apologies to everyone,” he wrote, without elaborating on the cause behind the cancellations.

The announcement sparked confusion and criticism online, with fans demanding clarity on whether the issue was restricted to Tamil Nadu or affected screenings across India and overseas markets as well. Many also expressed frustration over the last-minute nature of the cancellation after advance bookings had opened strongly.

Director RJ Balaji later addressed the situation on social media, hinting at the challenges the project had faced throughout its production journey. “Dearest fans, I don't have a concrete answer to the current situation. Producers are doing their best to solve the hurdles. This film has always had hurdles, and somehow God has made us sail through all that and here we are after 32 months. This time as well, I have faith, complete faith in him,” he wrote.

Reports suggested that financial and distribution-related issues had surfaced in the final hours before release.

Pending dues and unresolved payments are believed to have delayed the film’s theatrical clearance, resulting in the cancellation of morning shows and unlisting of screenings in several locations in India and overseas.

In an emotional video, filmmaker RJ Balaji addressed the delays and apologised to fans who travelled to theatres in the hopes of watching the morning show. The director remained hopeful that Karuppu would be released from 6 pm on May 14, adding that everyone in the team, including Suriya, was working towards it.

The setback came just a day after the makers thanked newly elected chief minister Vijay for granting permission for the special 9 am shows in Tamil Nadu.

Despite the release-day hiccup, Karuppu had generated strong pre-release buzz. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film recorded around Rs 7.92 crore in advance bookings in India, including blocked seats, with particularly strong response from B and C centres. Overseas bookings were also reported to be encouraging.

Karuppu stars Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in the lead, alongside Yogi Babu, Jaffer Sadiq, Mansoor Ali Khan and Indrans. The film features music by Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography by GK Vishnu and action choreography by Anbariv.