Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi is celebrated for his unconventional roles and raw acting power, carving out a unique space in Indian cinema. Now, the superstar is experiencing a different kind of joy: watching his son, Surya Sethupathi, take his own ambitious first steps into the film industry as a lead hero. At a recent pre-release event for Surya's debut film, Phoenix, the proud father beamed, reflecting on his son's journey and his childhood dream of becoming an "action hero."

A Father's Pride and a Dream Realized

Vijay Sethupathi has always been very open about his love for his family, but his excitement at the Phoenix event was palpable. While speaking about his son's role, he revealed that Surya's cinematic passion lay firmly in the realm of mass action films—a genre his father, known for his diverse and often non-heroic roles, sometimes stepped away from.

"Surya had a desire to do action films since he was a child. He loves mass cinema. He would always tell me, 'Dad, you should do more mass films!'" Sethupathi shared, his voice filled with pride. The actor confessed that seeing his son realize this long-held aspiration was deeply gratifying. Surya had previously appeared as a child artist in films like Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015) and Sindhubaadh (2019), but Phoenix marks his full-fledged debut as the protagonist.

The Role of the Action Master

A significant factor in Surya's debut is the film's director, Anal Arasu Master. A highly respected figure in the industry, Anal Arasu is one of the most celebrated and awarded stunt choreographers in South Indian cinema, known for designing action sequences for mega-hits like Kaththi and Jawan.

Vijay Sethupathi took a moment to publicly thank the director for believing in Surya. He recounted their meeting on the sets of Jawan, where Anal Arasu Master narrated the script and asked about casting Surya. Sethupathi, true to his grounded nature, simply told the stunt master to speak directly with his son.

The superstar was clearly delighted with the final product, noting that Phoenix is a “beautiful combination of action and emotion.” Directed by a master of stunts, the film is an action-thriller that reportedly features Surya as a young man sent to a juvenile reform center after being accused of a political murder. This premise guarantees a high-octane performance that aligns perfectly with Surya's love for the genre.

Passing on the Cinematic Legacy

Surya's transformation for Phoenix is a testament to his commitment; reports suggest he went through rigorous MMA training and a significant physical change to fit the role of a young wrestler. This work ethic, coupled with his deep love for cinema, shows he is serious about forging his own path, rather than resting on his father's reputation.

While Vijay Sethupathi's legacy is defined by his versatility and groundbreaking acting choices, Surya appears determined to establish his own identity in the commercial mass-hero space. The debut of Surya is more than just a star son launch; it's the beautiful sight of a passionate dream finally taking flight, under the proud and watchful eye of one of Indian cinema's most respected fathers.
Read Also: The Humility Factor: Why Mahesh Babu is Tollywood's Most Grounded Superstar
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