‘My father gives me ₹500 for daily expenses…’: Surya Sethupathi on being called a nepo kid

Surya Sethupathi, son of acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi, has made his acting debut with the action drama Phoenix. While his entry into the industry comes with the inevitable “nepo kid” tag, Surya has addressed it with rather striking maturity. In an interview with News18, he acknowledged his father’s legacy but emphasized that having a famous surname doesn’t guarantee success. “Being a nepo kid just means your father had a legacy. But to match or surpass that, you need to work even harder,” he said, adding that real growth comes through struggle.

Surya also shared insights into his grounded upbringing, revealing that his father gives him a daily allowance of just ₹500. He credits this disciplined lifestyle for shaping his character and giving him the drive to succeed on his own merit. “I’ve faced hardships since childhood. I’ve come here to win in cinema, not to cruise through it,” he stated.

Phoenix, directed by action choreographer-turned-filmmaker Anl Arasu, features a strong supporting cast including Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Sampath Raj. The film opens with a gripping scene in which Surya’s character shockingly murders a politician in broad daylight, setting the tone for a gritty narrative.

Critics have praised the film's technical finesse—particularly Velraj’s intense cinematography and Sam CS’s powerful score. While some reviews feel the emotional depth is lacking, Phoenix has succeeded in showcasing Surya’s action potential and marks a strong start to what could be a promising career.