Renowned Stunt Director Anl Arasu has helmed Phoenix, a sports-based action film starring Surya Vijay Sethupathi, son of actor Vijay Sethupathi, in the lead role. With the film slated for release on July 4th, the grand trailer launch event was held in Chennai. The event witnessed the presence of several celebrities and cast members who shared their thoughts and well wishes.
Actor Muthukumaran
“Greetings to all media friends. It gives me immense joy that Surya, the son of my friend, is making his debut with Phoenix. I’m also proud to have acted in this film. My heartfelt wishes to the entire cast. No matter what others say, just keep moving forward, Surya. You’re going to achieve great things! My best wishes to you as your uncle.”
Lyricist Viveka shared:
“Anl Arasu, who choreographs powerful action sequences in other films, has outdone himself in his own directorial debut. Sam CS has composed fantastic music, and every song has turned out great. Surya’s debut is already impressive. This film is a shining example of how a young actor can make a mark in Tamil cinema. Phoenix is a symbol of hope, and hope is the most powerful driving force in life. I wish this film all success.”
Actor Moonar Ramesh
“I’ve acted with Vijay Sethupathi sir and now with his son Surya. Anl Arasu’s name has been part of global stunt accolades, but we haven’t celebrated it enough. Sam CS’s music is a big strength for the film. I’m sure Phoenix will be a big success.”
Actor Dileepan
“Happy to be a part of Anl Arasu sir’s film. I was ready to take on any role under his direction. Surya has performed exceptionally well. I wholeheartedly wish for his success and the film’s victory.”
Actress Devadarshini
“The trailer looks fantastic, and Surya has performed brilliantly. Films like these require a lot of hard work. Watching Surya felt like watching my own son on screen. The trailer clearly shows the effort Anl Arasu has put in. Every artist has poured their heart into this film. Sam CS’s music adds another level of strength. Everyone should come to the theatres and support the film.”
Sakthivelan of Sakthi Film Factory stated:
“My heartfelt thanks to all the media personnel. If there’s one artist from Tamil Nadu who has worked successfully across Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada industries, it’s Anl Arasu. Phoenix is his first directorial venture. He has worked on 18 Hindi films including 7 with Salman Khan and 9 with Thalapathy Vijay. This is a complete action film, and Surya, Vijay Sethupathi sir’s son, has played a full-fledged action hero. Just as Vijay Sethupathi’s journey inspired many, Surya’s journey will inspire even more. Vijay Sethupathi is a name, but Surya will be a symbol. The producer made this film out of pure love for cinema. Please make Phoenix a grand success.”
Producer T Siva
“I’ve seen the entire film. Phoenix will surely rank among the top 10 most neatly made films. Anl Arasu has crafted it as a proper seat-edge thriller. If I’m wrong, you can call and scold me after the release. The director, cinematographer, and composer have done outstanding work. The performances are also excellent. Anl Arasu deserves the best director award this year. Surya has a bright future and will be the Tiger Shroff of Tamil cinema. I keep watching Maharaja, and now Phoenix will be added to that list. Sam CS’s music is a huge boost. Vijay Sethupathi has given so much to Tamil cinema, and now he’s given us his son too. I love Vijay Sethupathi, and I believe his son will go even further. Please support this film in theatres.”
Director Pandiraj
“I’m here solely for Surya. I’ve worked with Anl Arasu only once, but even in that brief interaction, I could see his clarity. Watching the trailer, I can say the film has shaped up really well. I’ve known Vijay Sethupathi since Pasanga days. He is a humanitarian, and Surya, too, speaks with clarity and passion. Surya dances even better than his father and excels in action scenes. Watching the trailer gave me the same vibe I had when I saw Vishal in Sandakozhi. If someone watches 10 Vijay Sethupathi films repeatedly, they can become a great actor like Surya. As a big brother, I wish him all the best.”
Stunt Choreographer FEFSI Vijayan
“Success doesn’t come easy. Anl Arasu has gone through many struggles. Action without emotion doesn’t work, and Anl Arasu has brought great emotional depth to this film. He introduced Surya as a hero, and Surya has strong self-confidence. That’s key to success. He has the charm to win people’s hearts. This film will be his milestone. Sam CS’s background score is especially powerful. Anl Arasu handpicked every actor for their role. I wish the film a huge success. As long as Tamil cinema exists, Surya will shine. He’s not just a name, he’s a pride.”
Director H Vinoth
“I actually planned to launch Surya myself, but Anl Arasu beat me to it! Usually, it takes 10 films for an actor to become an action hero, but Surya got that in his debut. Congrats on your hard work, and I wish the film great success.”
Music Composer Sam CS
“There’s a lot of effort behind every scene that works—or doesn’t. I tried to compose music that enhances the action. Commercial elements are essential for a film to connect with audiences. Vijay Sethupathi told me he wanted Surya to come into the industry without his interference. After watching Phoenix, I told him his son has done a fabulous job. This film gave me immense satisfaction. It’s a milestone in my career. Anl Arasu directed it with a clear vision. I believe Phoenix will bring both Surya and me recognition. Proud to be part of this journey.”
Actor Vijay Sethupathi said:
“Honestly, I don’t know what to say about my son. I owe a big thanks to Anl Arasu. He told me the story in 2019, but I couldn’t do it then. Later, he asked if Surya could take it up, and I felt both joy and nervousness. I believe Surya should make his own decisions. I asked him to hear the story, and didn’t interfere afterward. I always share my industry experiences with my family but leave the decisions to them. That’s why I didn’t attend the pooja or any events. I only asked Surya if he was happy, and he said yes—that’s all. Thanks to everyone who gave him this opportunity. It’s a blessing that Anl Arasu launched him. My wife is even more thrilled than me. On her behalf too, I thank you all.”
Actor Surya Sethupathi said:
“Greetings to everyone. I want to use this moment to thank everyone. I’ve learned a lot over the past two years. I owe my position today to my family, friends, and the press. The film releases next week. Whenever I felt low, the cast and crew supported me. Devadarshini ma’am played my mom on-screen, but also felt like my real mother off-screen. I thank our producer Rajalakshmi ma’am and director Anl Arasu sir for guiding me. Please watch Phoenix in theatres and share your feedback.”
Director Anl Arasu said:
“My father played a key role in me reaching this point. Without our producer Rajalakshmy, this film wouldn’t exist. I first saw Surya on the sets of Jawan, and later approached Vijay Sethupathi sir. Surya worked incredibly hard for over a year and a half. He has a bright future. All technicians have worked with sincerity. Though I’ve choreographed stunts for over 200 films, Phoenix is my debut as a director. Please support this film.”
Producer Rajalakshmy Anl Arasu said:
“Thank you to everyone. I sincerely thank all the journalists present here. We hope you’ll take this film to the people. Thanks to my son, my daughter, and everyone involved in this journey.”
