Suriya fans woke up to disappointment on Thursday after Karuppu's first day, first show at 9 am, was cancelled across Tamil Nadu and a few southern states. While the film's producer cited "unavoidable reasons" for the cancellation of morning shows, the reason is speculated to be unsettled dues and pending payments that have halted clearance for theatrical exhibition of the film.
Fans are now eagerly expecting the film to at least open in theatres by afternoon. Meanwhile, video clippings of Karuppu's title card, shot on phones, are now being virally shared on social media. Netizens have commented, wondering where the film has been released for fans to put out clips online.
Under a few such clips, users have mentioned that the film has opened in theatres in Pune and Mumbai. However, this is yet to be confirmed. Fans down south have already started worrying about the film being spoilt for them on social media and thereby requesting their fellow North Indian fans to take down the videos.
On Wednesday, director RJ Balaji had hinted at the film facing issues at the eleventh hour but expressed confidence in Karuppu's grand release. He said the producers were doing their best to resolve hurdles. "This film has always had hurdles, and somehow God has made us sail through all that, and here we are after 32 months. This time as well, I have faith, complete faith, in him," he added on his X handle.
Karuppu has Trisha reuniting with her Aaru (2005) co-star, Suriya. The supporting cast includes Yogi Babu; acclaimed Malayalam actor Indrans; Sshivada; Lubber Pandhu fame Swasika; Natty; Supreeth Reddy; and Anagha Maya Ravi. The director is also playing a cameo role in the film.
Composer Sai Abhyankkar, cinematographer GK Vishnu, editor R Kalaivanan, production designer Arun Venjaramoodu, and stunt choreographers Anbariv and Vikram Mor round out the crew of Karuppu.