Surya Sethupathi, son of acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi, has officially made his acting debut with the sports action drama Phoenix, which hit theatres on July 4, 2025. Directed by Anl Arasu, the film marks Surya’s entry into the industry with a role that promises both emotional depth and intense action — but what stood out to him most was that this wasn’t a typical “star kid launch.”
“When Phoenix came to me, it felt honest. It wasn’t crafted as a ‘launch’ film, but something that had emotional depth. The story had weight, and the character gave me the space to learn and evolve from within. That’s what made me say yes,” Surya shared in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, emphasizing that his choice was guided by sincerity rather than expectations.
Surya grew up around cinema, closely watching his father on sets, but Vijay Sethupathi’s influence was rooted more in values than technique. “Appa never told me how to act. He always said, ‘Respect the process and be honest to the moment.’ Watching him over the years taught me humility and discipline. That shaped how I prepared, not just technically but in how I carried myself,” he added.
In Phoenix, Surya took on the physical demands of a sports action film head-on. “The climax fight sequence was the toughest. It required both stamina and presence. I trained in boxing, strength conditioning, and movement drills for months,” he recalled. Director Anl Arasu helped him find the balance between physical action and the silent intensity the role demanded.
Despite being Vijay Sethupathi’s son, Surya is determined to build his own identity. “Being his son is a privilege, no doubt. But I don’t want to live in his shadow. I want to earn my space sincerely, step by step,” he said. For Surya, staying grounded and connected to a small circle of friends, enjoying music, and going on long drives help him remain balanced amid the buzz.
When asked about possibly sharing the screen with his father, Surya said, “To be very honest, I haven’t really thought about it. When I acted with Appa, it was a father-son moment, and honestly, it didn’t feel much like acting. Maybe in the future I’d like to do something, but we’ll see.”
Following Phoenix, Surya is eager to explore diverse stories and characters. “I want to explore roles that feel real, maybe a small-town story or a character with humor or flaws. I’m not chasing fame. I’m just focused on growing, one film at a time,” he concluded.
Surya Sethupathi’s debut marks the beginning of what could be a refreshing new chapter in the industry—one built on honesty, hard work, and an earnest desire to stand on his own.
Also Read: Vijay Sethupathi on his film with Tabu, “She has an important role, she is a fine artiste”
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