Vijay approves special shows for Suriya-Trisha film 'Karuppu'

Vijay has granted special permission for 9am screenings of the upcoming Tamil film "Karuppu", extending support to the makers just two days after taking oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

The action drama, directed by RJ Balaji, stars Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles and is set for worldwide release tomorrow (14 May).

The filmmakers announced the decision on their official social media account yesterday evening (12 May) and thanked Vijay for approving the special morning shows.

"Special thanks to our honourable Chief Minister Thiru Joseph Vijay for granting special permission for the 9am shows of Karuppu. FDFS begins at 9am from 14 May," the post said.

While early morning screenings are common in several Indian states, theatres in Tamil Nadu have largely avoided them in recent years due to law-and-order concerns linked to intense fan celebrations around major releases.

Written and directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu features an ensemble cast including Indrans, Natty, Swasika, Sshivada, Anagha Maya Ravi and Supreeth Reddy in key roles. Music for the film has been composed by Sai Abhyankkar.

Vijay and Trisha are regarded as one of Tamil cinema's most successful on-screen pairs. They have acted together in several popular films, including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi and Leo.

Vijay and Trisha have also frequently been the subject of online speculation about their personal relationship, especially after Trisha attended Vijay's swearing-in ceremony as chief minister.

Despite ongoing rumours, neither of them has publicly addressed the claims.

Their close friendship has long been discussed on social media, with some users alleging a relationship between the two.

More recently, after details from Vijay's divorce filings became public, sections of social media again linked him with Trisha.

Some political figures have also referred to the alleged relationship while criticising Vijay.