Suriya and Trisha Krishnan’s much-anticipated film Karuppu has faced a tumultuous release due to financial issues, with morning screenings in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka being canceled over unpaid dues. Despite the cancellations, the film made its debut in Pune, where the viral videos of the film's title card sparked excitement among fans on social media.
The cancellations of the 9 am shows were announced by SR Prabu, the producer of Karuppu, who expressed his apologies to fans. While fans shared videos on social media of the film’s title card being shown in a Pune theater, it remains uncertain whether the film will continue running there or in other northern states. The delay in the southern states persists, causing further uncertainty around the film’s full release.
Reports suggest that the film’s production house, Dream Warrior Pictures, led by SR Prabu, is facing financial difficulties, with over Rs 50 crore in unpaid dues to various parties. To address the situation, Suriya has reportedly stepped in to clear the dues related to Karuppu, ensuring the film’s release. However, the production house must still resolve the remaining financial issues.
The key obstacle in the timely release of Karuppu has been the withholding of the KDM (Key Delivery Message), which is required to screen a film in theaters. This is typically withheld until pending payments are cleared, which has delayed the film’s distribution.
In addition to the unsettled dues, unpaid location charges at EVP Studios near Chennai have further exacerbated the financial strain, creating a bottleneck that prevented the necessary final clearance for the film’s distribution. While Karuppu may be released later in the evening, its full distribution hinges on the resolution of these financial matters.
Starring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, with supporting roles from Yogi Babu, Jaffer Sadiq, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Indrans, Karuppu is directed by RJ Balaji. The film features music by Sai Abhyankkar, cinematography by GK Vishnu, and stunt choreography by Anbariv. Fans remain hopeful that the financial issues will be resolved quickly to allow the film to be screened across the southern states.