After a series of hurdles — including the removal of the Naanga Naalu Peru song and a change in music composer — RJ Balaji's much-awaited Karuppu finally has a release date locked in. The film hits theatres on May 14.

In a candid conversation with Sudhir Srinivasan, RJ Balaji reflected on his transformation from actor to filmmaker. Recalling how it all began, he shared that Vignesh Shivan once offered him a role in Thaana Serndha Kootam (2018) on the spot — a moment that never hinted at the director he would eventually become. "I decided to direct films because I did not like the roles offered to me. I wanted to do a film on my own," he said.

The filmmaker also revealed how his own journey inspired the advice he gave to Ken Karunaas on the sets of Sorgavaasal (2024). Noticing Ken waiting for big directors and actors to launch him, Balaji told him plainly — don't wait for others to make your career. Eight months later, Ken walked into his office and narrated the first half of Youth. The rest, as they say, is box office history.

Balaji also praised Ken's narration, describing it as extraordinary and full of energy, drawing a clear parallel between their shared drive to create something on their own terms.