The release of 'Karuppu', featuring Suriya and Trisha Krishnan, was marred by the abrupt cancellation of morning and afternoon shows on its scheduled release date of May 14. Director RJ Balaji shared an emotional video apologizing to fans who traveled long distances for the film's first-day screenings. He expressed his disappointment over the unforeseen circumstances and reassured audiences that he hoped the issues would be resolved by 6 PM. The cancellations stemmed from disputes involving the Tamil Nadu distributors’ federation, which demanded compensation for losses linked to another film, 'Japan', produced by the same company, Dream Warrior Pictures. The estimated losses are around ₹25 crore (approximately $3 million USD), with additional financial disputes involving unpaid dues. Balaji emphasized his belief that the film would eventually reach theaters and be worth the wait, highlighting the emotional connection he has with the project. 'Karuppu' also marks a significant reunion for Suriya and Trisha after 21 years, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.