A Fierce and Fiery Action Debut – ‘Phoenix’ Movie Review
Directed by Anal Arasu, Phoenix marks the powerful debut of Surya Sethupathi, sharing screen space with Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Sampath Raj, Devadarshini, Muthukumar, Harish Uthaman and ‘Kakka Muttai’ Vignesh.
Set against a turbulent political backdrop, the film follows Sampath, a powerful MLA whose influence runs deep in Chennai’s corridors of power. His sudden and mysterious murder sends shockwaves across the city—and all fingers point to Surya Sethupathi. The narrative intensifies when Sampath’s wife (played by Varalaxmi) hires goons to kill Surya inside prison walls. But he isn’t one to go down without a fight. What led to Sampath’s death? What is Surya’s real motive? The answers unfold in the film’s gripping, twist-filled second half.
For a first-time lead, Surya Sethupathi makes a striking impression. He handles both emotionally charged scenes and intense action sequences with confidence and charisma. His screen presence is undeniable, even when sharing space with seasoned performers.
The supporting cast elevates the film. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is fierce and commanding, Harish Uthaman and Sampath Raj bring gravitas, and Devadarshini adds emotional depth. Notably, ‘Kakka Muttai’ Vignesh delivers a physically demanding performance, making his presence felt in a pivotal role.
Sam C.S’s thunderous background score and a strategically placed song in the latter half heighten the film’s intensity. Velraj’s cinematography adds grit and style, capturing the raw energy of each moment with flair. Editor Praveen.K.L has done justice to his work.
Anal Arasu, known for his work in stunts, transitions impressively to the director’s chair. The film’s core message says, “Power must be used for good, or its consequences will be devastating”, is woven seamlessly into a political backdrop. This message, though subtly conveyed, gives the film more weight.
While the first half moves at a brisk pace—perhaps a little too fast—the film finds its footing quickly. The second half balances narrative depth with well-executed action set pieces that keep the audience hooked. However, Phoenix is not for the faint-hearted. The film is laced with brutal violence, earning it an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC. Its intensity and graphic action make it unsuitable for younger viewers and might raise concerns about its impact.
Despite that, Phoenix delivers what it promises: a no-frills, high-octane action thriller. With a breakout performance by Surya Sethupathi, an engaging storyline, and strong technical finesse, this film is a solid entertainer for fans of the genre.
Phoenix is a raw, relentless, and impactful action drama that sets the screen ablaze.
Rating: 3.75/5