RJ Balaji on recreating Suriya’s viral ‘watermelon scene’ in Karuppu: ‘He was first to do it’

“Suddenly, during an interview, someone told me, ‘You even made Suriya sir do that!’ I was shocked because he was actually the first person to do it. At one point, I even wondered whether I should keep the scene or remove it, fearing it might confuse the audience. But I wanted to recreate that nostalgic, feel-good moment in a fresh way. I wasn’t interested in repeating it the way it had been done earlier. I want Suriya sir to act, dance, sing, and deliver punch dialogues, but not in a predictable manner. So, we created new moments where he could do all of that,” he explained in a recent conversation.

Scheduled to release in theatres on May 14, Karuppufeatures Trisha as the female lead, reuniting her with her Aaru (2005) co-star Suriya. The supporting cast includes Yogi Babu, acclaimed Malayalam actor Indrans, Sshivada, Lubber Guide fame Swasika, Natty, Supreeth Reddy, and Anagha Maya Ravi. The director is also playing a cameo role in the film.

The teaser for the film revealed that Suriya will play a lawyer called Saravanan, a nod to his original name. Released in July last year, it presented Suriya in a ‘mass’ avatar. Set in a rural backdrop, he is looked at as a saviour, an almost deity-like who delivers justice to commonfolk.

Besides Sai Abhyankkar as the composer, cinematographer GK Vishnu, editor R Kalaivanan, production designer Arun Venjaramoodu, and stunt choreographers Anbariv and Vikram Mor, round out the crew of Karuppu.