Just days after officially stepping into politics full-time as Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister, Vijay is already making headlines for supporting the film industry he once ruled as one of its biggest superstars. The actor-turned-politician has reportedly granted special permission for additional 9 AM screenings of the upcoming Tamil film Karuppu across the state, giving the much-awaited release a massive boost ahead of its theatrical debut on May 14.
The decision has instantly grabbed attention because early morning shows are not commonly allowed in Tamil Nadu. Unlike states where fan clubs regularly celebrate first-day-first-show screenings at dawn, Tamil Nadu has remained cautious with extra-early screenings over the years due to crowd control concerns and chaotic fan celebrations around major star releases. That is why Vijay approving 9 AM shows for Karuppu feels like a significant move, especially considering the film’s growing buzz among audiences.
The makers of Karuppu publicly thanked Vijay soon after the approval was confirmed. Sharing a photo of the Chief Minister at work inside his office, the production team expressed gratitude on social media and announced that first-day-first-show screenings would now begin from 9 AM onward across several theatres. Fans quickly connected the gesture to Vijay’s long-standing relationship with Tamil cinema, with many praising him for continuing to support the industry even after entering active politics.
What makes the timing interesting is that Karuppu already appears to be building strong momentum before release. According to trade reports circulating online, advance bookings for the film opened to impressive numbers in Tamil Nadu. Industry trackers claimed the movie crossed nearly Rs 1.90 crore in bookings within just around 36 hours in the state alone. Nationwide booking figures reportedly pushed the number beyond Rs 2 crore, which is considered a strong sign for a Tamil release that is still days away from opening.
The hype surrounding the film has also been amplified by the pairing of Suriya and Trisha Krishnan. Both stars continue to hold enormous popularity among Tamil audiences, and the film has generated extra curiosity because of ongoing rumours surrounding their off-screen bond. While neither actor has directly addressed the speculation publicly, their chemistry has remained a frequent talking point online ever since the project was announced.
Directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu is being positioned as a large-scale action drama mixed with emotional themes and commercial storytelling. Trisha reportedly plays a lawyer named Preethi, while Suriya will be seen in a double role as Saravanan and Karuppuswamy. RJ Balaji himself is also stepping into a negative role as the main antagonist Baby Kannan, which has added another layer of intrigue for audiences curious about the film’s tone.
The supporting cast also includes familiar Tamil cinema faces like Yogi Babu, Indrans, Sshivada, Swasika, and Natty Subramaniam. Produced by Dream Warrior Pictures, the movie arrives at a time when Tamil cinema is trying to regain momentum at the box office after a mixed theatrical year dominated by a few big releases.
For Trisha, Karuppu marks another major release after Thug Life, while Suriya was last seen in Retro directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The actor has been choosing a mix of experimental and commercial projects lately, and fans are hoping Karuppu delivers the mass entertainer energy many associate with his peak blockbuster era.
Interestingly, Vijay’s approval for the 9 AM shows also sends a symbolic message about his relationship with Tamil cinema after becoming Chief Minister. Even though he has shifted focus toward politics, moments like these show he still understands the emotional and economic importance of the film industry in Tamil Nadu. For many fans online, the move felt less like a political decision and more like a superstar quietly backing his own industry from a different chair now.
