Radio jockey-turned-actor RJ Balaji is currently gearing up for the release of his fourth directorial, Karuppu, starring Suriya in the lead role. Apart from directing, he is also playing the role of Baby Kannan in the film.
RJ Balaji is currently busy promoting his upcoming film, which marks Suriya's 45th. In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, the actor-filmmaker has opened up about a time he did a satirical show, which made him call and apologise to actor Sivakarthikeyan.
He said, “I did a mock award show as a special Deepavali programme, which was meant to be a satire on how award functions are conducted. As part of it, I performed a parody referencing the moment when Sivakarthikeyan became emotional on stage while speaking about his father. At the time, in 2024, I didn’t think it was wrong. But the day I watched it on television, I felt it hadn’t been handled the right way. I immediately called him and apologised. Within a week or ten days, I realised many people had been hurt by it as well. There was no intention or pre-planned motive behind doing it, but I understood that it was insensitive. I apologised and admitted that I stood corrected.”
RJ Balaji has appeared in a cameo role in Sivakarthikeyan's Ethir Neechal. Furthermore, he played a full-fledged role in the actor's Velaikkaran, helmed by Mohan Raja.
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.