RJ Balaji Meets Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, Credits Him For "Starting It All' After Karuppu Success

RJ Balaji has shared how it felt to meet C Joseph Vijay after Karuppu’s strong box office run. The director and actor visited Vijay, now Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and posted photos on X, tying the film’s journey to the politician’s earlier link with the project.

The Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer Karuppu released in cinemas on May 15 and drew mixed critical reactions. Despite that, the fantasy action drama has earned more than ₹300 crore worldwide. The film features RJ Balaji in a key role, alongside Indrans, Natty Subramaniam, Swasika, Sshivada and Supreeth Reddy.

Karuppu box office, release date and cast details

Karuppu’s financial performance has become a major talking point, especially given the initial reviews. The film has crossed the ₹300 crore mark across global markets, underlining strong audience interest. Suriya leads the cast, with Trisha Krishnan and RJ Balaji supporting, while the ensemble includes several noted actors from across industries.

RJ Balaji, Vijay and the making of Karuppu

On X, RJ Balaji posted two photos with Vijay. Both appeared relaxed and smiling. Balaji captioned the images, "With the man who started it all for #Karuppu!!! Wow…! Feels unreal to meet him now as the honourable Chief Minister of Tamil nadu!!! Same love, warmth, kindness and calmness…!!!Thank you for everything dearest Vijay sir."

RJ Balaji earlier revealed to THR India that Karuppu was first developed for Vijay, then an actor preparing for politics. Balaji said, "This was supposed to be his last film, so we had two or three meetings over a period of time, discussing his political entry and deciding which film he should do as his final project."

Vijay chose to leave the film, after which RJ Balaji approached Suriya with the same story. Suriya is said to have liked the idea and also suggested changes that helped refine the script. Reflecting on Vijay’s exit, Balaji said, "I felt his reasons were justified. I told him, 'Sir, I absolutely respect your decision. Thank you so much.' By then, I had already narrated two stories to him after he asked me if I had something suitable. I considered that itself a huge sign of respect for my work and creativity."

Karuppu centres on the guardian deity Vettai Karuppu, who appears as a lawyer and confronts corruption inside the legal system. The plot follows efforts to protect a young girl needing a liver transplant from those misusing her situation. The fantasy frame allows the film to mix courtroom drama with action and myth.

Vijay’s political shift has advanced quickly in recent months. C Joseph Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in front of family members and hundreds of supporters. At the same time, Vijay’s last screen project as an actor, Jana Nayagan, has stayed on hold for more than five months, while Karuppu continues its successful theatrical run.