Surya Sethupathi, son of acclaimed Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi, is all set to make his acting debut with Phoenix, a gritty action drama directed by stunt choreographer turned filmmaker Anl Arasu. But long before his film hits screens, Surya is already navigating the industry's often criticized label of being a “nepo kid.”
In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Surya addressed the tag head on with surprising clarity and maturity. “There’s nothing wrong with calling someone a nepo kid,” Surya said. “It just means your father had some legacy, right? You’re starting something new. But as a nepo kid, you have to work harder than your dad. There’s a barrier, and crossing it will come with struggles, but those struggles will teach you.”
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Despite his father’s fame, Surya emphasized his modest upbringing. “I’ve come here after facing hardships since childhood.” He added, “My father gives me 500 rupees daily for expenses. That’s how I’ve been brought up, and that’s why I’ve come here to win in cinema.”
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Phoenix stars Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Devadarshini, J. Vignesh, Sampath Raj, and Sreejith Ravi, with cinematography by Velraj and music by Sam CS.
An excerpt from the ETimes review for the film reads, "Phoenix's technical excellence elevates the material considerably. Velraj's cinematography captures the gritty violence with visceral impact, while Sam CS delivers a score that matches the film's energy. High production values ensure this debut vehicle is polished. As a star-making exercise, Phoenix succeeds in establishing its young lead's action credentials. As compelling cinema, it feels hollow despite its emotional backstory. The film works best when viewed as a well-crafted commercial entertainer rather than a nuanced thriller."