Surya Vijay Sethupathi makes a fiery debut in Phoenix, a Tamil action drama directed by stunt choreographer Anl Arasu. The film opens with a shocking act of violence—Surya’s character murders a corrupt MLA and is sent to a juvenile reformatory, where he faces relentless assassination attempts. Flashbacks reveal his boxing background and emotional trauma, setting the stage for a gritty revenge saga.

Surya impresses with his physical transformation and intense screen presence. His minimal dialogue and raw energy suit the role, though his emotional range is still developing. The film thrives on its technical strengths: R. Velraj’s gritty cinematography and Sam C.S.’s pulsating score elevate the action-heavy narrative.

However, Phoenix struggles with predictability. The revenge arc follows familiar beats, and logical gaps occasionally undercut the tension. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar plays a fierce antagonist, but her character lacks depth. Supporting performances by Devadarshini, Sampath Raj, and J. Vignesh add emotional weight.

Ultimately, Phoenix succeeds as a launchpad for Surya Sethupathi, showcasing his potential as an action star. While the film doesn’t break new ground narratively, its polished execution and raw intensity make it a watchable commercial entertainer