Chennai: In a heartfelt meeting at the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's residence, director-actor RJ Balaji and his family met with CM Joseph Vijay on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for his pivotal role in shaping the blockbuster film Karuppu .
Balaji took to social media to share pictures from the meeting, captioning them: "With the man who started it all for #Karuppu!!! Wow…! Feels unreal to meet him now as the honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu!!! Same love, warmth, kindness and calmness…!!! Thank you for everything dearest Vijay sir" .
The Untold Connection
The meeting came fresh off the success of Karuppu, which has crossed an astounding ₹300 crore worldwide . Balaji has previously revealed that the film was originally written for Vijay back in August 2023, intended to be his final cinematic outing before his full-fledged political entry .
"When I narrated the story to Vijay sir, he appreciated it a lot and immediately asked, 'Can we do this film right away?'" Balaji recalled in an earlier interview. However, Balaji needed more time to develop the screenplay. Before the project could move forward, Vijay became deeply involved in his political journey, ultimately stepping away from the role .
From Vijay to Suriya
Though Vijay passed on the lead role, his feedback and detailed questions helped strengthen the script significantly. "The discussions I had with Vijay sir helped the script grow and change in many ways," Balaji said . The director has publicly thanked Vijay in the film's opening credits for shaping the project .
The script eventually reached Suriya, who was impressed and came on board. The film went on to become one of the biggest Tamil hits of the year, with Suriya delivering a powerful performance as Vettai Karuppu, a guardian deity disguised as a lawyer fighting corruption .
Vijay Antony Also Visits
Actor-composer Vijay Antony also met with the Chief Minister on Tuesday. Sharing a photo from their meeting, he called the time "wonderful" and wished the new leader strength as he serves the people.
Lasting Film Industry Bonds
The meetings highlight Vijay's enduring connections with the film fraternity since becoming Chief Minister on May 10 following his TVK party's election victory. Despite now holding the highest political office in the state, those who have met him describe the same "love, warmth and kindness" that defined his years as a superstar.
