At the Hyderabad pre-release event of Suriya's Karuppu, on Monday, RJ Balaji said, "Karuppu is not made for people on social media. It is made for those who celebrate cinema." Clippings of that particular remark were virally shared online, with several calling out the actor-director for undermining those who analyse a film online.

RJ Balaji, who visited Keralam on Tuesday, issued a clarification on the remark he made, saying that his intention was different. He started by saying, "At the Hyderabad event I made a statement. I said that Karuppu is made for those who celebrate cinema in theatres and not for those who dissect it. But people online started dissecting that line and criticising me."

Further clarifying his stance, he said, "I only meant to request the audience not to come to the theatres with a preconceived notion. I want you to come to the theatres with an open mind, to have fun, and, after watching the film, to tell me if you liked it or not. In my opinion, once a product is in the market, everybody should talk about it and review it. I was a reviewer once, and only now have I become a filmmaker."

Lastly, the director detailed the effort that went behind the writing for the film. "Just because I ask you to come with a mindset to enjoy the film doesn't mean it is a mindless entertainer. It is a very mindful entertainer. My writers, Ashwin, Rahul, and I have taken a lot of effort to make a film that conveys the right message, treats women with respect, and treats the audience as intelligent."

Karuppu also stars Trisha Krishnan, Indrans, Natty Subramaniam, Swasika, Sshivada, Anagha Maaya Ravi, Supreeth Reddy, Yogi Babu, Mansoor Ali Khan, George Maryan, Aadukalam Naren, Namo Narayana, Deepa Shankar, Lollu Sabha Maaran and Jaffer Sadiq.

Sai Abhyankkar has composed music for Karuppu, his sophomore Tamil project. The crew of the film includes cinematographer GK Vishnu, editor R Kalaivanan, production designer Arun Venjaramoodu, and stunt choreographers Anbariv and Vikram Mor.

Karuppu is produced by SR Prakash Babu and SR Prabu under their Dream Warrior Pictures banner. Aravendaraj Baskaran is serving as the executive producer on the film. The film will open in theatres on May 14.