Karuppu (2026)

Karuppu never sets clear rules for what its hero can and can’t do, so by the last stretch the courtroom drama becomes whatever the next scene needs. Sukumaran and his daughter Binu lose the gold meant to pay for her liver transplant to thieves on a train, and the case to get it back is stuck in a court run by Baby Kannan, a crooked advocate who stalls for cash. Sukumaran prays to Vettai Karuppu, the deity who guards the Seven Wells, and the answer walks in as a new lawyer named Saravanan. Suriya gives one of his best turns in years, and the court scenes crackle. RJ Balaji, who also directs, plays Baby Kannan, and Sai Abhyankkar’s music does heavy lifting. Then the film trades human stakes for divine spectacle, the tone swings hard, and the climax effects look rushed. At 150 minutes, you feel every swing. A 5.2 because Suriya is great and the script loses its way. $35.35 says the next time someone stalls you with paperwork, you picture Suriya strolling in with a briefcase.

What works: Suriya is terrific, the early courtroom fights are a blast, and Sai Abhyankkar’s music gives the big moments a lift.

What doesn’t: The supernatural rules shift whenever the plot needs them, the tone lurches, and the climax effects look unfinished.

Who it’s for: Suriya fans and anyone who loves a big, crowd-pleasing courtroom showdown with a mythic twist.