Karuppan: King of Openings.

(A/N):

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....

Suriya's gaze lingered silently on his younger brother.

Then finally—He made a decision.

Picking up his mobile phone, he dialed a number.

After a few rings—The call connected.

-Ring! -Ring!

"Hello?"

It was K. S. Ravikumar.

Immediately Suriya straightened respectfully.

"Sir…"

The director's warm voice came through casually.

"Tell me, Suriya."

Suriya hesitated briefly before explaining everything honestly.

The marriage preparations which was approching.

The schedule conflict between his flims.

His inability to commit fully despite genuinely liking the project.

For several moments—Ravikumar listened silently.

"..."

Then unexpectedly—He laughed softly.

"-Haha!!!"

"Why are you sounding guilty for getting married?"

Suriya smiled awkwardly.

"Sorry sir…"

"Don't apologize for life matters,"

The director replied warmly there is no resentment.

"Marriage is important."

His tone carried no anger. No irritation.

Only genuine blessing.

"You focus on your wedding properly,"

He continued and gave his words.

"We'll definitely work together on another film."

Relief visibly spread across Suriya's face.

"Thank you, sir."

Then—A slight hesitation appeared.

"...."

"Actually…"

"Hm?"

Suriya glanced once more toward the dining table.

Karuppu was currently stealing chicken pieces from Karthi's plate while Lakshmi scolded both simultaneously.

Then Suriya spoke slowly.

"I might know someone suitable for Adhavan."

That immediately caught Ravikumar's attention.

"...."

"Oh?"

The director instinctively assumed the obvious.

Karthi.

After all, Karthi had already started entering cinema circles.

But the next words completely shattered that assumption.

"My younger brother…"

A pause.

"Karuppu."

Silence.

"...."

Inside the call—K. S. Ravikumar blinked Completely.

-Blink!

"…Karuppu?"

Suriya nodded unconsciously despite being on phone.

-Nod!

"He's naturally talented, sir."

At the dining table, Karuppu suddenly sneezed.

-Achooo!!!

Then suspiciously looked around.

Meanwhile Suriya continued.

"He hasn't appeared in films because appa1 was strict about studies."

Sivakumar had one unbreakable rule:

Complete Higher Secondary properly first.

Only then cinema.

Now…

Karuppu had finally completed school and would soon enter college.

The restriction had technically ended.

So he decided to help his little brother.

Suriya's voice turned more serious.

"I can give my word on his talent."

That line carried weight.

Because Suriya rarely exaggerated.

Especially regarding work.

At the other end—Ravikumar leaned back thoughtfully.

A director's instincts slowly stirred.

He had heard stories about the youngest Sivakumar son before.

The troublesome genius who was having a splash on cricket.

The charming menace mentioned by Kamal during one of their conversation.

The naturally fearless boy.

And now Suriya himself was recommending him.

That alone made it worth investigating.

After several seconds—Ravikumar finally spoke.

"Alright."

Suriya straightened slightly.

"I'll come meet your family directly."

Then with amusement in his voice.

"And I'll bring Udhayanidhi too."

The call disconnected shortly after.

Suriya slowly lowered the phone.

Meanwhile at the dining table—

Karuppu finally noticed him staring.

"What?"

Suriya simply smiled faintly.

"Nothing."

Karuppu narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

That smile never meant "nothing." Usually it meant trouble.

Meanwhile…

Inside the office of Red Giant Movies, discussions regarding Adhavan continued late into the evening.

Scripts.

Budgets.

Scheduling papers.

Editing notes.

The room carried the familiar organized chaos of cinema production.

Seated across the table was Udhayanidhi Stalin, currently handling post-production discussions for another project under the banner.

Across from him, K. S. Ravikumar leaned back in his chair while explaining the phone call with Suriya.

The moment he finished—Udhayanidhi sighed heavily.

-Sigh!

"Well Today seems to be a long day…"

He rubbed his forehead.

"Bad luck. Suriya would've suited this perfectly."

Ravikumar nodded calmly.

-Nod!

"But marriage comes first. He made the right decision."

Then—He casually added.

"He recommended someone else."

That immediately caught Udhayanidhi's attention.

"Karthi?"

Ravikumar smiled faintly seeing he is the not the one who currently misjudged.

"No. His younger brother Karuppu."

Silence.

"...."

"...."

"...."

Udhayanidhi blinked twice caught off guard.

-Blink! -Blink!

"The youngest one?"

"The same."

Now curiosity fully appeared on the producer's face.

Because unlike Karthi, Karuppu had never appeared publicly in cinema circles.

No acting. No advertisements. No assistant director work.

Nothing. Only stories.

And most of those stories sounded like urban legends involving school terrorism and excessive confidence.

An odd one out at the perfect family.

"Is it possible?"

Udhayanidhi asked honestly.

Ravikumar folded his arms thoughtfully.

"If he meets expectations…"

His eyes sharpened slightly.

"…then we tweak the story around him."

Because the current version of Adhavan was clearly written with Suriya in mind.

The body language.

The charm. The emotional flow.

A younger, rawer actor would require modifications.

Still…

Something about Suriya's confidence intrigued him.

Finally—Both men left the office together.

One hour later....

Inside the Sivakumar household.

Karuppu sat on the sofa staring blankly at the unexpected guests before him.

"...."

K. S. Ravikumar.

Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Meanwhile beside him—Suriya calmly placed the bound script into his hands.

"Read."

Karuppu looked at the title.

ADHAVAN

His eyes widened slightly.

"...."

Then immediately narrowed suspiciously.

"…Why are you all looking at me like interview panel members?"

Nobody answered him.

Which somehow felt worse.

Meanwhile nearby—Lakshmi silently brought coffee.

"...."

Karthi openly stared excitedly.

And Sivakumar had already left to his room because he didn't care.

Which in reality meant:

Standing behind the slightly open door secretly listening to the ongoing conversation.

Karuppu opened the script slowly.

Then started reading.

Page after page flipped rapidly.

His eyes scanned every line with unnatural speed.

Because unlike ordinary people…

Karuppu possessed photogenic memory.

Every dialogue.

Every scene description.

Every emotional cue.

Perfectly stored.

Forty-five minutes later—The final page closed.

And at that exact moment—Inside his mind—

The system reacted violently.

[-DING...]

[NEW BRANCH UNLOCKED CINEMA

Sub Branches: Acting and Screen Writing

Acting: 4

Screen Writing: 4.]

Karuppu's heartbeat quickened slightly.

Without changing expression externally, he immediately allocated points.

He had been saving skill points for years.

Waiting. Preparing for this moment.

And now…

The stage had finally opened.

[Skill Point Allocation....]

[Acting +5

Screen Writing +4]

[Updated Skills...

Acting: 9

(Peak current capability)

Requirement to advance beyond 9: Successfully act and release 10 films

Screen Writing: 8.]

The sudden rush of understanding hit him instantly as soon as he allocated the points.

Emotional flow.

Dialogue timing.

Body language awareness.

Camera consciousness needed even through he never acted.

Subtle expression control.

It all sharpened dramatically.

Meanwhile outside—Ravikumar quietly observed him.

"Can you perform any scene from the script?"

Karuppu slowly looked up. Then nodded.

-Nod!

"Yes."

The room instantly became attentive.

Karuppu thought for several moments before speaking.

"The scene where Adhavan reveals the truth to Tara."

Ravikumar nodded slowly.

-Nod!

Good emotional scene to gauge Karuppu's acting talent.

Then Karuppu added calmly:=.

"But…"

Everyone looked toward him.

"I want to change one thing."

That immediately interested Ravikumar.

"What change?"

Karuppu leaned slightly forward.

"When Banerjee confronts him…"

A grin slowly formed.

"Instead of continuing emotional crying to mock and shift to sneer…"

His eyes sharpened.

"He suddenly switches."

The room quietened.

"...."

"...."

"...."

Karuppu tapped the script lightly.

"From vulnerable… To mocking. immediately..."

Then he smiled.

"As if he fooled Tara completely."

For a moment—Both Ravikumar and Udhayanidhi stared silently.

Because that change…

Actually sounded better.

More layered. More dangerous but also challenging.

Ravikumar slowly nodded.

-Nod!

"Show me."

Immediately—Suriya and Karthi volunteered to read supporting dialogues.

The hall transformed into an impromptu audition room.

Karuppu stood in the center.

Back facing everyone. Head lowered slightly.

Then—Silence.

"...."

"...."

"...."

The atmosphere changed.

Instantly. Even before dialogue started.

The playful younger brother vanished.

In his place stood someone else entirely.

Suriya began reading Tara's lines emotionally.

"You're the one who placed the guitar in the Uncle's car…"

"You planted the bomb…"

"I'm going to tell the police…"

Karuppu slowly turned halfway. His breathing became shaky.

"...."

Then softly—He pointed toward empty air.

As if looking at an invisible family photograph.

"Who is this…?"

His voice trembled.

Not dramatically. Subtly. But Painfully human.

Suriya continued to read the script.

"He's Adhavan…"

"The one who ran away years ago…"

"My uncle's son…"

Karuppu's eyes reddened instantly. Tiny tears gathered naturally.

Then—Broken voice.

"…I am him."

The room became still.

Even Lakshmi unconsciously clasped her hands together emotionally.

The vulnerability felt real. Completely real.

And that's what shocked everyone most.

Not overacting. Not mimicry.

Natural as if he was now the charecter.

Then came the final part where Banerjee confronts Adhavan after Tara left.

Karthi spoke Banerjee's line carefully.

"Are you really the judge's son…?"

And suddenly—Karuppu changed. Completely from crying.

The tears remained.

But now—A smile slowly spread across his face.

Sharp. Mocking. Predatory.

Then he stuck his tongue out slightly like a mischievous child caught lying.

Pure arrogance. Pure manipulation.

As if Adhavan had fooled Tara entirely from beginning to end.

The emotional victim disappeared.

A dangerous trickster emerged instead.

The shift was so sudden and smooth that even Karthi momentarily forgot his turn to read the lines.

Silence filled the hall.

"...."

"...."

"...."

Then slowly—K. S. Ravikumar smiled.

A genuine smile which shows how impressed he was.

Beside him, Udhayanidhi leaned back in disbelief.

Because what they just witnessed… Was not beginner-level talent.

This was instinct. Raw cinematic instinct.

Meanwhile from the half-open bedroom door—Sivakumar silently watched his youngest son.

For several long seconds…

He said nothing.

Then quietly—He nodded once satisfied.

-Nod!

And closed the door.

For several long seconds after the performance ended…

Nobody spoke.

The hall remained completely silent.

Karuppu simply stood there calmly while the emotional atmosphere from the scene still lingered heavily around him.

Even Karthi looked stunned.

Because he had seen Karuppu imitate teachers, politicians, relatives, film stars, and even street vendors for fun countless times growing up.

But this… This felt different.

Professional. Controlled. Dangerously natural.

Then finally—K. S. Ravikumar burst into loud laughter. The sudden sound broke the tension instantly.

"Hahaha!"

He pointed directly at Suriya while still laughing.

"Why did your family hide such a dragon inside the house?!"

Suriya smiled helplessly.

Meanwhile Lakshmi looked proudly emotional already.

Udhayanidhi leaned forward staring at Karuppu carefully.

Even now… The boy's body language remained relaxed.

No desperation. No nervous excitement.

As if acting before industry veterans inside his own house was somehow normal.

That confidence alone impressed them further.

Finally Ravikumar shook his head with disbelief.

"You can really play this role."

Those words settled heavily in the room.

Karuppu's eyes sharpened slightly hearing his name.

Because deep inside… Something clicked.

This wasn't fantasy anymore. This wasn't future memories.

This was real.

Cinema had officially opened its doors for him.

Beside Ravikumar, Udhayanidhi Stalin nodded firmly.

-Nod!

"We'll begin preparations next week."

The meeting ended shortly after.

Meanwhile inside his room later that night—Karuppu silently stared at the system screen floating before him.

[QUEST GENERATED FIRST STEP TO CINEMA

Objective:

Successfully debut as lead actor in Adhavan

Rewards:

Cinema Branch Growth

New Skill Unlocks

Increased Charm Stats

Public Presence System Activation

Failure:

None.]

Karuppu slowly smiled. Then muttered softly.

"Well finally I am going to enter the industry."

The following week…

The contract signing officially took place.

The family lawyer carefully reviewed every clause and condition before allowing Karuppu to sign.

Revenue sharing.

Scheduling protection.

Media clauses.

Future commitments.

Everything was thoroughly checked.

Meanwhile the final salary amount stunned even several industry insiders quietly observing the deal.

₹2 Crores

For a debut actor… It was absurd.

Especially considering—It matched the salary of Karthi's own debut film.

Which itself had not even released yet.

The industry quietly began paying attention.

Not publicly. Not loudly. To the third son of the sivakumar family.

But whispers had already started moving through Kollywood circles.

"Sivakumar's youngest son is entering cinema."

"Ravikumar himself selected him."

"Suriya recommended him personally."

"Apparently the boy is frighteningly talented according to the source I have..."

And slowly… Curiosity spread.

Soon—The official pooja date for Adhavan arrived.

Cameras. Garlands.

Press photographers.

Industry guests.

Temple rituals.

The usual sacred chaos of Tamil cinema beginnings.

Most of the original cast remained unchanged from the previous timeline.

The same supporting actors. The same production structure.

The same technicians.

Only one thing had changed. At the center.

Karuppu.

The new lead of the movie.

And naturally… That created discussion.

Especially regarding the heroine.

Nayanthara was still attached to the project.

At one point, the production team had seriously considered replacing her.

Because technically—She was twenty-five.

Karuppu was only eighteen.

The age gap became a topic during internal discussions.

But eventually… The decision stayed unchanged.

Because the problem was simple.

Karuppu absolutely did not look eighteen anymore.

Years of sports, sharp features, broad shoulders, confident posture, and the faint trimmed beard he intentionally maintained made him appear naturally older.

Not artificially mature.

But like someone already in his early twenties.

And worse—Whenever he smiled confidently during costume tests…

The age issue somehow disappeared entirely.

Even Ravikumar privately admitted to a curious journalist who questioned him.

"The camera likes him too much."

That sentence alone spread through the crew rapidly.

A dangerous sentence in cinema.

Because throughout film history…

Some actors performed for the camera.

But a rare few…

The camera itself fell in love with them.

*******************************

(Author note:)

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