After a disappointing start to Karuppu’s release on May 14, director and actor RJ Balaji has finally found the success he had been eagerly waiting for.

The Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer was initially scheduled for a May 14 release. However, just hours before the premiere, the makers announced that the shows had been cancelled due to unresolved financial issues among the producers.

The film finally hit theatres on Friday and received a roaring response from audiences.

RJ Balaji gets emotional

RJ Balaji, who had an emotional breakdown on Thursday after the film failed to release, was seen celebrating on Friday morning. The director attended an FDFS (First Day First Show), where fans were seen hooting, whistling, and cheering as they watched the commercial entertainer.

Watching the audience’s overwhelming response, Balaji got emotional and expressed his joy by screaming and throwing his arms in the air. He was seen watching the film from the balcony alongside Karthi, brother of Suriya, and the film’s lead actress Trisha Krishnan.

After his celebratory moment, Balaji walked up to Trisha and warmly hugged her. Videos of his emotional celebration soon went viral on social media.

RJ Balaji Celebrating the Victory with Fans after #Karuppu FDFS❤️💥 pic.twitter.com/huTI1Ta3g3

— Aᴋᴀꜱʜ Sғᴄ 𝕏 (@AkashSuriya_FC) May 15, 2026

Just a day earlier, RJ Balaji had broken down in his car while sharing an update on the film’s delayed release. He had apologised to fans who had booked tickets and were eagerly looking forward to the film.

On Thursday, an emotional Balaji shared a video in which he addressed the delay and apologised to audiences who had been waiting for Karuppu.

Speaking in Tamil, the director, who also plays a pivotal role in the film, said, “I am giving you another update from my car. I hope it’s the last one. I am really sorry to all the fans. It shouldn’t have happened.”

He added that people watch films to escape life’s worries, and apologised for causing stress to fans who were unable to watch the film as planned.

Balaji also revealed that he had always wished for Karuppu to release on May 14 and become a blockbuster.

“A lot of people have sacrificed so much. Suriya sir has done so much. I am sorry for the delay, but I hope it will all be worth it,” he said.

The director ended his emotional message on a hopeful note, saying, “Karuppan varan. We’ve faced so many hurdles, but I strongly believe the film will release. God is with us.”

Netizens reaction

The reactions to the film as phenomenally positive after the FDFS show with fans rejoicing the movie with whistles and hoots. Check out: 

#Karuppu [#ABRatings – 4.25/5]

– Action & Emotional First half followed by a Commercial second half with many high moments & references 👌
– Suriya as Karuppasamy carried the role extraordinary with his screen presence👏
– RJBalaji`s precise Writing & SaiAbhyankkar`s BGM… pic.twitter.com/xCj9bMmwgp

— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) May 15, 2026

Full on Theatrical Blast #Karuppu 💥💥👌👌@Suriya_offl sir`s god mode is pure FIRE 🔥🔥🔥

Congratulations @RJ_Balaji @trishtrashers @prabhu_sr @dop_gkvishnu @SaiAbhyankkar @DreamWarriorpic
And wholeteam for giving a A Mass Action Fun Family Blockbuster 👏👏👏👏

Now on …..… pic.twitter.com/bS37WW4zQh

— karthik subbaraj (@karthiksubbaraj) May 15, 2026

#karuppu my honest review

+VE:

– Shriya’s career best perfo .. he literally gave it all for this film 😭😭😭😭🔥
– 1st half screenplay, interval, mass scenes are 🥵🥵
– As always BGM 🥵👌🏻💯 different level
– Camera movements & visuals

Negative: nothing #karuppuReview pic.twitter.com/kgzwGRZif7

— Arbeloa stan (@siuuuthick) May 14, 2026