(2015): He appeared in a brief scene playing the younger version of his father's character. Sindhubaadh
In Phoenix , Surya offered a glimpse into his artistic identity. The film, directed by Anl Arasu, is a gritty underdog story that demands physical rigor and emotional vulnerability. Choosing a sports drama for a debut is a calculated risk; it allows a young actor to showcase discipline and physical transformation, elements that immediately command respect from an audience skeptical of privilege. Surya’s portrayal of a rugby player fighting against systemic odds was not the polished, syrupy debut of a typical "star kid." Instead, it was grounded in sweat and struggle. He attempted to mirror the rawness that his father is celebrated for, avoiding the trap of performing a "heroic" introduction typical of commercial Tamil cinema. In doing so, Surya signaled that he views acting as a craft to be honed rather than a status to be inherited.
Most recently, Surya headlined Rasavathi (2024), a psychological thriller that released directly on OTT platforms. Directed by Ramnath, the film saw Surya in a far more mature and darker role. He played a man dealing with trauma and a mysterious past.
Surya continues to build his filmography by working with acclaimed directors and appearing in diverse formats: Surya Vijay Sethupathi - IMDb
Unlike most star children who launch with high-energy, mass-appeal blockbusters, Surya chose a radically different path. His debut came with ‘19(1)(a)’ (2022), a slow-burn legal drama directed by Indhu V.S.
The film is billed as a "mass action entertainer" where Surya portrays a young MMA fighter and wrestler. The narrative kicks off with an intense sequence involving a brutal confrontation, immediately establishing Surya’s credentials as an action star.