Chennai — At the audio launch of his upcoming film Baththa, actor Vijay Sethupathi turned a routine promotional event into a heartfelt retrospective of his journey through Tamil cinema, sharing stories that revealed both the camaraderie and the surprises that have marked his career alongside the industry's biggest stars.

When asked about Thalapathy Vijay, one of Tamil cinema's most powerful figures, Sethupathi responded with characteristic warmth and humor, calling him a "cute fellow." The remark came at a time when questions about Thalapathy Vijay's role as host of Bigg Boss Tamil have generated considerable debate across social media and fan communities, with critics raising concerns about the commercial sponsorship elements tied to the show. Sethupathi sidestepped the controversy entirely, focusing instead on personal, positive memories.

He recounted an incident involving Thalapathy Vijay's son, Jason Sanjay, describing a moment that showcased the offscreen sweetness of the actor's family life. The anecdote painted a picture of Vijay not just as a larger-than-life screen persona but as an approachable father figure whose home environment reflects grounded, humble values.

Sethupathi then shifted the conversation to another towering name in Tamil cinema, superstar Rajinikanth, who plays the lead role opposite him in the upcoming Jailer 2. When pressed about what inspired him for the sequel, Sethupathi revealed something he described as genuinely unexpected — a personal interaction with Rajinikanth that went beyond typical star behavior. "I didn't expect that because he's a big superstar," Sethupathi said, acknowledging the humility and warmth with which Rajinikanth treated him during their discussions for the film.

The Baththa audio launch thus became more than a promotional event; it served as a reminder of the respect and mutual admiration that persists within Tamil cinema even as commercial pressures and public controversies intensify around its biggest stars.

With Jailer 2 building anticipation and Baththa adding to his growing slate, Sethupathi continues to cement his position as one of the most versatile and beloved actors working in South Indian cinema today.