LIK – Dude Scenario for Karuppu – Suriya 46?

In recent times, release schedules have become unpredictable for several films. Movies that were expected to release first are getting delayed, while films that went on floors later are hitting screens earlier. This recently happened with Pradeep Ranganathan’s films. His LIK (Love Insurance Kompany) was initially slated for an August 2025 release, while Dude was scheduled for October 2025. However, as things stand in December, Dude has released as scheduled, while LIK is now eyeing a February 2026 release.

Though the reasons are not officially stated, factors like post-production delays and, more importantly, the slowdown in digital deals are said to be responsible. Makers are no longer getting OTT deals as lucrative as before. When the offers do not meet expectations, producers prefer to wait for better deals. Once a deal is locked, it is often the OTT partner that finalizes the theatrical release date, as platforms plan their slots well in advance. This has made release schedules increasingly unpredictable. This scenario reportedly applied to LIK and Dude, and now Suriya’s films are said to be facing a similar situation.

After wrapping up Kanguva, Suriya began shooting for Karuppu, co-starring Trisha and directed by RJ Balaji, who made his directorial debut with Mookuthi Amman (Ammoru Thalli in Telugu). While shooting for Karuppu, Suriya also joined the sets of a straight Telugu film directed by Venky Atluri, tentatively titled Suriya 46. He has recently completed shooting for Suriya 46.

Karuppu was initially planned for a Diwali 2025 release but was reportedly delayed due to the makers not finding an OTT partner at their expected price. With the shoot almost completed, the team is now looking at a summer release. However, there is a twist. Suriya 46 has also been wrapped up, and the makers are planning to release it in Summer 2026. Netflix has bagged the digital rights of the film, following the massive viewership success of Venky Atluri’s previous directorial, Lucky Baskhar, on the platform. The digital deal for Suriya 46 is said to be smooth and record-breaking.

It is now reported that the Karuppu team approached the makers of Suriya 46 to adjust their release plans, as Karuppu is also targeting a summer release. However, as of now, things do not look promising for Karuppu, with Suriya 46 likely to move ahead and release first. In that case, Karuppu may have to release in early 2026, without further delaying its theatrical release. It remains to be seen which film will hit the screens first, Suriya 46 or Karuppu.

Karuppu stars Suriya, Trisha, and others. It is directed by RJ Balaji and produced by S R Prakash Babu and S R Prabhu under Dream Warrior Pictures, with music by Sai Abhyankkar. Suriya 46 is likely to be titled Vishwanathan and Sons. The film stars Suriya, Mamitha Baiju, Raveena Tandon, and others. It is directed by Venky Atluri and produced by Naga Vamsi under Sithara Entertainments, with music by GV Prakash.