Suriya’s much-anticipated Tamil film ‘Retro’ has finally hit theaters on May 1, 2025, igniting a tidal wave of excitement across India and the global Tamil diaspora. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj and co-starring Pooja Hegde, Joju George, and Jayaram, ‘Retro’ marks Suriya’s grand return to the big screen after the mixed reception of his previous outing, ‘Kanguva’.
With its potent mix of romance, action, nostalgia, and a gripping 1990s gangster backdrop, ‘Retro’ has stormed the box office and social media, quickly becoming one of the year’s most trending topics. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s an in-depth look at all the reasons why ‘Retro’ is the talk of the town, the highs and lows of its cinematic journey, and what it means for Suriya’s legacy.
Suriya’s “Retro” made a thunderous debut at the box office, collecting an estimated ₹19.25 crore India net on its first day across all languages, with Tamil Nadu accounting for the lion’s share of the revenue. The film achieved an impressive 79.35% occupancy in Tamil shows on opening day, peaking at 83.91% during afternoon screenings. Telugu and Hindi versions saw more modest occupancy rates at 38.94% and 7.81% respectively, underlining Suriya’s enduring popularity in the Tamil belt while also reflecting the film’s pan-Indian ambitions. Industry analysts predict that if the strong word-of-mouth continues, “Retro” could surpass the ₹50 crore mark in its opening weekend, making it one of the top Tamil openers of 2025.
Retro’s Explosive Opening: Box Office, Records, and Fan Frenzy
‘Retro’ opened to packed houses, riding on a wave of anticipation that saw advance bookings break previous records set by Ajith’s ‘Good Bad Ugly’. Within 24 hours of ticket sales opening, the film sold a staggering 82,000 tickets and grossed over ₹5 crore in Tamil Nadu alone, with first-day India net collections estimated at ₹7.11 crore and a 75.91% occupancy rate for Tamil shows. The servers of ticketing platforms briefly crashed under the demand, signaling Suriya’s enduring star power and the film’s pan-Indian appeal, bolstered by massive promotional campaigns.
The film’s May 1 release strategically coincided with Labour Day, ensuring a public holiday boost. Morning, afternoon, and evening shows quickly filled up, with trade analysts predicting ‘Retro’ could become one of Suriya’s best openers and a top-5 Tamil film debut of 2025.
Critical reception for “Retro” has been mixed, with reviewers praising the film’s technical bravado but questioning its narrative coherence. The much-talked-about 15-minute single-take action sequence, set to the energetic “Kanima” song, has been widely lauded for its choreography and emotional depth, showcasing Suriya and Joju George’s dynamic as son and father. However, some critics felt the second half loses momentum, with the plot becoming convoluted as the story shifts to the Andamans and introduces political and philosophical themes that dilute the initial impact. Netizens echoed these sentiments on social media, with some hailing Suriya’s performance as a “perfect comeback” and others wishing for a tighter screenplay.
A Nostalgic Yet Gritty Tale: Plot, Characters, and Themes
‘Retro’ is set against the vibrant yet volatile landscape of the 1990s, blending the aesthetics and music of the era with a contemporary cinematic sensibility. Suriya stars as Paarivelan “Paari” Kannan, a reformed gangster who tries to leave his violent past behind for the sake of his beloved Rukmini “Rukku” (Pooja Hegde). Raised by the formidable gangster Thilakan (Joju George), Paari’s attempt at a peaceful life is shattered when Thilakan disrupts his wedding, demanding the return of stolen goldfish-a quirky but pivotal plot device.
The story takes Paari from the bustling streets of the city to the mysterious Black Island, ruled by the tyrannical Mirasdar (Nassar) and his son Michael. As Paari battles old enemies and searches for Rukku, the film explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the inescapable pull of one’s past. The narrative is punctuated by a 15-minute single-take action sequence, a technical marvel that has been widely praised.
Behind the scenes, “Retro” boasts a stellar technical crew that contributed significantly to its cinematic appeal. Director Karthik Subbaraj collaborated with director of photography Shreyaas Krishna, editor Shafique Mohamed Ali, and art directors Jacki and Mayapandi to recreate the film’s immersive 1990s world. Stunt coordinator Kecha Khamphakdee’s expertise is evident in the film’s action set pieces, while music director Santhosh Narayanan’s soundtrack has been singled out for blending vintage and contemporary sounds, enhancing both the film’s nostalgic and modern vibes. The trailer, cut by Alphonse Puthren, set high expectations with its stylish editing and energetic pacing.
Suriya’s Commanding Performance and Karthik Subbaraj’s Vision
One of the film’s biggest draws is the collaboration between Suriya and director Karthik Subbaraj, known for his genre-bending, stylish storytelling. Suriya delivers a powerhouse performance, seamlessly transitioning between the raw intensity of a gangster and the vulnerability of a man in love. Critics have lauded his ability to anchor the film, even as the screenplay oscillates between high-octane action and emotional drama.
Pooja Hegde shines as Rukmini, bringing depth to a role that could have been overshadowed by the film’s testosterone-fueled action. Joju George, Jayaram, and Nassar provide strong support, while the ensemble cast-including Prakash Raj, Karunakaran, and Singampuli-add layers to the 1990s milieu.
Karthik Subbaraj’s direction is evident in the film’s meticulous period detailing, stylish visuals, and inventive use of music by Santhosh Narayanan. The soundtrack, blending vintage vibes with modern beats, has already become a fan favorite.
Internationally, “Retro” has also garnered attention, with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) awarding it a 15 rating for “strong bloody violence, language, and threat,” signaling its appeal to mature audiences. The global release strategy, including screenings in the UK and other diaspora markets, is expected to boost the film’s worldwide gross. Early overseas reports suggest that Suriya’s star power remains strong among international viewers, many of whom have praised the film’s blend of action and emotion on social platforms.
Critical Reception: Highs, Lows, and Audience Verdict
Early reviews for ‘Retro’ have been largely positive, especially for its first half, which excels in setting up the central conflict and delivering memorable action and dance sequences. The 15-minute single-take scene is a standout, showcasing the technical brilliance of the crew. However, critics note that the second half loses some momentum, with the narrative becoming uneven as the story shifts to the Black Island and introduces new antagonists.
Despite these flaws, most agree that ‘Retro’ is a bold, emotionally charged film that plays to Suriya’s strengths. Fans have praised the film’s nostalgic setting, stylish action, and the chemistry between Suriya and Pooja Hegde. The film’s blend of romance, redemption, and mass appeal has struck a chord with audiences, making it a must-watch theatrical experience.
Despite the excitement, “Retro” is not without its detractors. Some reviewers have questioned Suriya’s choice to back a film that, while ambitious, sometimes feels overstuffed with meta-references, political sermons, and redundant subplots. The film’s nearly three-hour runtime and uneven pacing have been cited as drawbacks, with suggestions that a tighter edit could have elevated the overall experience. Nevertheless, for fans of Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj, “Retro” stands as a bold, stylish experiment that pushes the boundaries of the Tamil gangster genre and reaffirms Suriya’s place as one of Kollywood’s most versatile stars.
Production, Music, and Technical Brilliance
Produced by 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench Films, ‘Retro’ boasts top-notch cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna and a rousing score by Santhosh Narayanan. The production team aimed for a gritty yet nostalgic feel, with costumes, sets, and props meticulously recreating the 1990s. The film’s music, especially the item number “Love Detox” featuring Shriya Saran, and the cameo by Santhosh Narayanan in “Kanimaa,” have added to its mass appeal.
The technical team’s efforts are evident in the film’s seamless blend of action, romance, and period detail. The use of long takes, practical effects, and era-specific music elevates ‘Retro’ beyond a typical gangster drama, making it a cinematic spectacle.
Conclusion: The Legacy of ‘Retro’ and Suriya’s Cinematic Triumph
With its powerful opening, nostalgic storytelling, and Suriya’s magnetic screen presence, ‘Retro’ is poised to become a defining film of 2025. The collaboration between Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj has delivered a cinematic experience that balances mass appeal with emotional depth. While not without its flaws, ‘Retro’ stands out for its technical innovation, memorable music, and the way it captures the spirit of the 1990s gangster era. As box office numbers continue to soar and fans celebrate Suriya’s triumphant return, ‘Retro’ cements itself as a must-watch event in Tamil cinema-a film that lives up to the hype and sets the stage for even bolder storytelling in the years to come.
In conclusion, Retro emerges as a bold and ambitious cinematic venture that marks a significant milestone in Suriya’s illustrious career. While it may not be flawless, the film’s technical brilliance, nostalgic charm, and powerful performances have resonated deeply with audiences, reaffirming the actor’s ability to carry complex, layered narratives. Director Karthik Subbaraj’s vision, combined with a stellar supporting cast and evocative music, creates a compelling atmosphere that transports viewers to the gritty yet vibrant world of the 1990s. As Retro continues to make waves at the box office and in critical circles, it not only revitalizes the gangster drama genre in Tamil cinema but also sets a new benchmark for storytelling that balances mass appeal with artistic innovation.
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