How Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan Helped Launch Vijay Sethupathi's Son Surya's Career
Vijay Sethupati revealed that director Anl Arasu spotted Surya on the sets of Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan and saw potential in him to lead an action-packed narrative.
As stunt master-turned-director Anl Arasu's film Phoenix is nearing its release, all eyes are on Vijay Sethupathi's son Surya Sethupathi stepping into the limelight. The new star is all set to make his debut as a lead in the upcoming sports action drama, scheduled for a theatrical release in July. Seeing his son prepping up to rule hearts, Vijay Sethupathi is brimming with pride.
At the grand audio launch of Phoenix, a proud and emotional actor recalled how his son landed the role. He revealed that director Anl Arasu spotted Surya on the sets of Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan and saw potential in him to lead an action-packed narrative.
'Surya has always loved mass action films. When he liked the script, I told him to decide for himself. I just asked once if he was enjoying it—he said yes, and that was enough for me," Sethupathi shared. Reflecting on this milestone moment in his son's life, the veteran actor added, 'It felt just like the day I dropped him off at school for the first time."
The budding actor is no stranger to the world of cinema. Surya, the son of Vijay Sethupathi and his wife Jessie, has been preparing for a career in cinema right from his childhood. He made his acting debut in the 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. Written and directed by Vignesh Shivan and produced by Dhanush under his Wunderbar Films, the Tamil film is a romantic action comedy that features him portraying the younger version of his father's character.
He later featured in a supporting role in the action-thriller Sindhubaadh (2019), starring Vijay Sethupathi and Anjali. The young star also had brief appearances in both parts of Vijay's crime action movie Viduthalai, respectively released in 2023 and 2024.
Now, after years of training in acting and stunt work, Surya is ready to take center stage. His big break comes with Anl Arasu's directorial Phoenix.
Besides Surya, the sports action drama brings together an ensemble cast, including Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Sampath Raj, Devadarshini, Muthukumar, Dileepan, Ajay Ghosh, Harish Uthaman, Abi Nakshathra, Varsha, Munnar Ramesh, Naveen, Rishi, Nandha Saravanan, Aadukalam Murugadoss, J. Vignesh, Sreejith Ravi, Aadukalam Naren and many others in supporting roles. Set for a release in theatres on July 4, the film promises a gripping narrative with a blend of sports, action and drama.
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