Suriya and Trisha’s Karuppu faces release chaos as early morning shows get cancelled despite CM Vijay's approval. Here's why

Suriya and Trisha Krishnan’s much-awaited Tamil film Karuppu ran into unexpected trouble on release day after several early morning shows were reportedly cancelled just hours before screenings were scheduled to begin.

The sudden cancellations sparked outrage among fans, especially because the film had already received approval for special early morning screenings from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.

Fans express anger over cancelled shows

According to reports, multiple theatres across Tamil Nadu cancelled the planned 9 am shows after facing last-minute booking and technical issues linked to online ticketing systems. The confusion reportedly left several fans stranded outside cinemas despite having advance bookings.

Producer SR Prabhu, one of the makers of the film, took to X to share the announcement and wrote, “Due to unavoidable reasons 9am shows will be cancelled for Karuppu. Our sincere apologies to everyone.” he did not elaborate about the reasons.

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Videos and screenshots of cancelled bookings quickly flooded social media, with many fans criticising theatre chains and distributors for the poor management surrounding the release. Some users also questioned how the issue escalated despite the film receiving government approval for special screenings.

RJ Balaji addresses the controversy

Director and actor RJ Balaji eventually responded to the situation after backlash intensified online. He posted a video on his Instagram on Thursday afternoon in which he said, “Hello everyone, I am here to give an update. I hope this is the last one. I’m really sorry to all the fans. It shouldn’t have happened. I know people travelled to watch this film in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and other places. I’m really sorry for that.”

He even broke down as he added, “I am really hopeful the issues will be resolved by 6 PM this evening. I am manifesting for Karuppu to be released on May 14 and for it to become a blockbuster. I am very hopeful. A lot of people have let go of so many things. Suriya sir has given so much. So, sorry for the delay. Sorry for making you go through all this stress. But it’ll all be worth it when the film releases this evening. God is with us; all will be good. God bless us all. Thank you.”

CM Vijay gave approval of early morning shows

On Tuesday, the makers of Karuppu expressed gratitude to newly elected Chief Minister Vijay for approving the film’s 9 am special screenings. Sharing a picture of Vijay signing the official notice from his office, production house Dream Warrior Pictures wrote on X, “Special thanks to our honourable Chief Minister Thiru. Joseph Vijay for granting the special permission for the 9 AM shows of #Karuppu. #Karuppu - FDFS begins at 9 AM, from May 14th.”

Karuppu generated major buzz before release

Karuppu has been one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of the year, largely because it marks the first major collaboration between Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in years.

The film’s trailers, songs and promotional material had already generated strong excitement online, with audiences particularly praising the intense rural action-drama setup and Suriya’s rugged avatar.

The project also drew attention because of its political undertones and large-scale release plans across Tamil Nadu.