RJ Balaji denies audience feeling ‘divine energy’ during Suriya's Karuppu screenings is PR stunt: ‘Don't have budget’

RJ Balaji's Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer Karuppu has performed well in the first week of its release. Videos from theatres show audience reactions.

RJ Balaji’s Suriya and Trisha Krishnan-starrer Karuppu was released in theatres on May 15 to mixed reviews from critics. But the film has performed well at the box office, and videos also show audience members feeling ‘divine energy’ while watching it. Talking to the press, Balaji denied that these videos were a PR stunt. (Also Read: Karuppu becomes 1st film in 9 months to collect over ₹100 crore in Tamil Nadu; grosses ₹200 crore worldwide)

Suriya plays the titular role in RJ Balaji's Karuppu.

RJ Balaji denies PR stunt for Karuppu

Balaji spoke about Karuppu to the press, and when asked if he’s satisfied with the film’s result, he said, “I am satisfied with what we have said to society. You will understand it only after watching the film. Whoever has watched the film is really enjoying it, Tamil Nadu is enjoying it to the fullest, so I’m very happy. I have made this movie for the people, so we’re happy they’re celebrating the movie.”

He also addressed the videos that emerged from audience members feeling the ‘divine energy’ in theatres, which some wondered were a PR stunt. “Some people said that the production house must have sent people to theatres to feel ecstatic and dance in devotion. We don’t have the budget to send people like that,” said Balaji, adding, “What’s really special is that the audience themselves are celebrating the film like their own.”

The ‘divine energy’ of Karuppu

Karuppu tells the story of the guardian deity Vettai Karuppu, who disguises himself as a lawyer named Saravanan to help people. Towards the end of the film, when the deity is shown in its true form, some audience members claim to have felt a sense of divinity in the videos they shared online. Suriya addressed these videos and wrote on social media, “To those who may become ecstatic upon seeing Karuppusamy in the theaters, I kindly request that you provide appropriate first aid. At that time, I lovingly advise others to refrain from recording videos of it.”

Balaji also noted it, stating, “We're hearing stories from across Tamil Nadu and beyond -of audiences cheering, weeping and in many instances, being so deeply moved that they've experienced something far greater than cinema. Some have felt divine intervention within the theatre itself. To us, this is the highest blessing our film could have received.” The filmmaker-actor also requested those sitting next to someone touched with ‘divine energy’ to help them with ‘water, space and a steady hand’.

Karuppu has collected ₹200 crore worldwide in eight days of its release.