It would appear that director-actor RJ Balaji opened a can of worms with his comment about Vijay in relation to Karuppu. Earlier this Wednesday, the actor-filmmaker shared an image featuring him with Chief Minister Vijay and said that the journey behind the film started with the superstar. Balaji was alluding to how he first approached Vijay for a role in the film and how the latter's inputs helped improve its screenplay. However, the comment has not gone down well with a section of fans, who claim that it does not do justice to Suriya and his efforts behind the film.
Meanwhile, Karuppu editor Kalaivanan has also made a similar remark about Vijay and Suriya. In an interview with SS Music, the editor was asked how it would feel like if Vijay starred in the film in place of Suriya. In his response, the editor initially said that he does not know how to answer the hypothetical question, although he admitted that he is an admirer of Vijay.
Soon, the editor said, "It could have been even more explosive with scenes more appropriate for his stardom." At the same time, he said that Suriya has also done a superb job in the film. Despite the praise for Suriya amidst the hypothetical view about Vijay in Karuppu, Kalaivanan is facing some flak for his comment, much like RJ Balaji has been facing for his recent remark. One user called it "unprofessional behavior," while accusing the whole team behind the film for appeasing Vijay.
Earlier this year, RJ Balaji revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India that he first pitched it to Vijay but then changed the screenplay for the film to make it appropriate for Suriya. The backlash for the actor-filmmaker's comment and the editor's remark stems from the common perception that Suriya has not been credited enough for the film's blockbuster success.
