Karuppu director RJ Balaji urges kindness to those 'touched by divine energy' in theatres
Synopsis
As Suriya's 'Karuppu' draws intense emotional reactions in theatres, director RJ Balaji has stepped in with an unusual public appeal — asking audiences to assist viewers overcome by what he calls 'divine energy', and urging exhibitors to prepare staff for such moments. The appeal signals just how charged the film's reception has become across Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaways
RJ Balaji posted a public appeal on 18 May asking audiences to be compassionate toward viewers experiencing 'divine energy' during 'Karuppu' screenings.
He requested that bystanders offer water, space, and a steady hand, and alert theatre staff.
Exhibitors and theatre partners across Tamil Nadu were urged to keep staff 'prepared and sensitive' to such moments.
The film stars Suriya , Trisha , and RJ Balaji , with music by Sai Abhyankkar . 'Karuppu' opened to a strong box-office start after a one-day release delay and is tracking toward superhit status.
RJ Balaji, director of actor Suriya's hit Tamil film 'Karuppu', has issued a heartfelt public appeal asking audiences and theatre staff across Tamil Nadu to extend compassion to viewers who experience what he described as 'divine energy' during screenings. The appeal, posted on his social media timelines on 18 May, comes as the film continues to draw overwhelming responses from audiences.
What RJ Balaji Said
In a statement titled 'With Gratitude, and a Gentle Request', Balaji opened with gratitude: 'To every single one of you who has walked into theatres and embraced Karuppu: THANK YOU! The love you've shown this film has been overwhelming, and beyond anything we imagined when we set out to make it.'
He then described the audience response as something beyond ordinary cinematic emotion. '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,' he wrote.
The Gentle Request to Audiences
Balaji urged fellow viewers to respond with care if they witness such moments. 'If you happen to be seated near someone who appears to be touched by divine energy during a screening, please be kind. Please be present. Help them with water, with space, with a steady hand. Inform the theatre staff so they can be cared for with dignity. A moment of compassion from a stranger is, in itself, a sacred act,' he said.
Appeal to Exhibitors and Theatre Partners
The director extended the same request to the film's exhibitor network. He wrote: 'To our exhibitors and theatre partners across Tamil Nadu, we humbly request you to keep your staff prepared and sensitive to these moments. Please treat every such moment with the reverence it deserves.' He closed with: 'Karuppu belongs to the people now. The faith you've brought into the theatre is what has made this film what it is. Let us protect that faith together, with grace.'
About the Film
'Karuppu' features Suriya, Trisha, and RJ Balaji in lead roles, with music composed by Sai Abhyankkar. The film's release was delayed by a day before opening to a strong box-office start, and it is widely seen as being on course to emerge a commercial success. The outpouring of emotionally intense audience reactions has added an unexpected cultural dimension to its reception.
Point of View
Intentionally or not, as potent word-of-mouth amplification for a film already riding strong opening numbers.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did RJ Balaji request in his Karuppu appeal?
RJ Balaji asked audiences seated near viewers experiencing intense emotional or 'divine' reactions during 'Karuppu' screenings to offer water, space, and support, and to inform theatre staff. He also urged exhibitors to prepare their staff to handle such moments with sensitivity and dignity.
Why are audiences having such strong reactions to Karuppu?
According to RJ Balaji's statement, the film has moved audiences to tears, cheering, and in some cases what he described as 'divine intervention within the theatre itself.' The director attributed this to the faith audiences have brought into the experience, though the specific content driving these reactions has not been detailed publicly.
Who stars in Karuppu and who made it?
'Karuppu' stars Suriya, Trisha, and RJ Balaji in lead roles. RJ Balaji also directed the film, which features music by Sai Abhyankkar. It is an action entertainer that opened to strong box-office numbers after a one-day release delay.
How is Karuppu performing at the box office?
'Karuppu' has taken a strong opening and is widely reported to be on course to emerge a commercial superhit, despite its release being pushed back by one day.
Where did RJ Balaji post his appeal?
RJ Balaji shared the statement, titled 'With Gratitude, and a Gentle Request', on his social media timelines on 18 May.
