Karuppu actor and director RJ Balaji and editor R Kalaivanan have been facing backlash from netizens for a few days now. When RJ Balaji shared a photo with CM Vijay and referred to him as "the man who started it all for Karuppu," Suriya fans and audiences criticised the director for not crediting Suriya enough for the film's success.
Similarly, the film's editor, R Kalaivanan, was asked to reimagine Vijay in Suriya's role in Karuppu. When he responded with, "It could have been even more explosive with scenes more appropriate for his stardom," he started facing backlash online. In fact, the editor even penned a note on Wednesday on how his words have been miscontrued.
He wrote, "Really sorry, Surya Anna fans, I didn't mean it; it was totally misunderstood, and completely my fault for using such words. I didn't mean it. I am always grateful to Surya Anna. Will be careful with my words in future interviews. Let's spread love. Let's Celebrate Karuppu." (sic)
After all this backlash and controversy, actor Suriya has now taken to his official Instagram story to share a simple message on kindness. The poster reads, "Lead with love. Stay kind. Stay generous."
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.
Suriya recently gifted limited edition Mahindra BE6 Batman cars to the technical crew of Karuppu, namely, music composer Sai Abhyankkar, cinematographer GK Vishnu and editor Kalaivanan.