After multiple delays, director RJ Balaji's film Karuppu, starring Suriya in the lead role, has finally been slated for a May 14 release in theatres. Recently, the filmmaker spoke about why it faced delays.

Speaking to Sudhir Srinivasan, Balaji said that they initially wanted a Diwali release for the film. "We were supposed to release the film for Diwali but could not. Then, we wanted a Pongal release for the film. We had to complete the CGI work in the gap between Diwali and Pongal, but we could not do this. Hence, we missed the Pongal slot," RJ Balaji explained.

The filmmaker also said that he did not want a random release date for the film. "I have not seen it as a film that deserves to be released on a random day. I wanted a peak summer release when we missed the Pongal slot," the filmmaker added.

Balaji further said that he wished to have "a mid-May release" for Karuppu because of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections that precede it. "The election results will be out on May 04, and a new government will be formed a few days later. Then, people will be more in the mood for entertainment, leaving politics aside," he said.

The filmmaker also highlighted the patience and trust shown by Suriya and the film's producers amidst multiple delays. "God has been very kind all through the journey. We have been given a correct date. There has been some delay, but I think it is all worth it. Every film is destined to release at some point," the filmmaker signed off.

Karuppu also stars Trisha, Indrans, Natty, Swasika, and Sshivadha, among others. Balaji has a cameo role in the film as well. Produced by SR Prakash Babu and SR Prabhu under Dream Warrior Pictures, the film has music by Sai Abhyankkar‬, cinematography by GK Vishnu, and editing by R Kalaivanan.