✅ Retro (2025) is a Tamil romantic action film directed by Karthik Subbaraj, starring Suriya as a gangster attempting to leave his violent past behind for love, only to be drawn into a prophecy and a fight against a cult.

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6.8/10

Retro

Director: Karthik Subbaraj

Writer: Karthik Subbaraj

Stars: Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram

Plot: A gangster tries to avoid violence and lead a peaceful life after vowing to his wife.

Countries: India

Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada

IMDb: View on IMDb

Retro (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Retro (2025)
• Language: Tamil (Dubbed in Hindi, Telugu)
• Budget: ₹60–65 crore (approx. $7.2 – $7.8 million USD)
• Revenue: ₹97–250 crore (approx. $11.6 – $30 million USD) worldwide gross (Note: Subject to debate and varying reports)
• Runtime: 168 minutes (2 hours 48 minutes)
• Release Date: May 1, 2025 (Theatrical) / May 31, 2025 (Netflix)
• Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, Thriller, Crime
• Cast: Suriya (Paarivel “Paari” Kannan / Jada Muni), Pooja Hegde (Rukmini), Jayaram, Joju George (Thilagan), Karunakaran (Anthony), Nassar (Rajavel Mirasu), Prakash Raj (Dharman), Shriya Saran (Special Appearance), Vidhu (Michael Mirasu), Sujith Shankar (Freddie Milton), Remya Suresh (Lakshmi), Swasika (Sandhya).
• Directors: Karthik Subbaraj
• Screenplay: Karthik Subbaraj
• Story by: Karthik Subbaraj
• Dialogues by: Karthik Subbaraj
• Studios & Producers:
  • Production Company: Stone Bench Creations, 2D Entertainment
  • Producers: Kaarthekeyen Santhanam, Kalyan Subramanian, Jyothika, Suriya
• Voice Cast: N/A
• Animation & Style: Live-action

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

Set in the 1960s, “Retro” follows Paarivel “Paari” Kannan (Suriya), an orphan who grows up under the wing of gangster Thilagan (Joju George) in Thoothukudi. After falling in love with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), Paari promises to abandon his life of violence and embrace a peaceful future. However, his past soon catches up to him when he becomes entangled in a complex conspiracy involving a high-stakes arms deal. Falsely accused and imprisoned, Paari discovers a shocking prophecy linked to his true identity as Jada Muni and a violent cult operating on the Andaman Islands. He escapes custody and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and revenge, where he must confront the shadows of his past, fulfill a destiny, and protect his love. The film weaves together elements of romance, action, and crime, culminating in a fierce battle against the tyrannical forces on the island, all while exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and redemption.

Cast & Crew

Critical & Audience Response

“Retro” received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Suriya’s performance, the technical aspects, and Karthik Subbaraj’s direction. While some critics noted issues with pacing, particularly in the second half, and a perceived lack of emotional depth in certain segments, the film was largely celebrated for its stylish narrative, action sequences, and engaging plot. Commercially, “Retro” emerged as a major success, with significant box office earnings, although its exact figures have been a subject of debate due to accusations of inflated numbers. Despite this, it stands as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2025 and is considered Suriya’s highest-grossing film to date. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating the film’s entertainment value and the lead performances.

Direction & Cinematography

Karthik Subbaraj’s direction is praised for its stylish execution and ability to blend various genres – action, drama, romance, and thriller – seamlessly. He creates a distinctive visual style that reflects the “retro” era, enhancing the film’s aesthetic appeal. Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography captures the essence of the period and the intensity of the action sequences, contributing significantly to the film’s immersive experience. The visual composition and lighting effectively set the mood for different segments of the story.

Music & Background Score

Santhosh Narayanan’s music and background score are a major highlight of “Retro”. The score effectively amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative and the intensity of the action scenes. The songs are well-integrated into the storyline and have received positive reception, contributing to the film’s overall impact and commercial success.

Visuals & Special Effects

The film’s visuals effectively create a “retro” atmosphere, transporting the audience to the 1960s. While not heavily reliant on CGI, the special effects are used judiciously to enhance the action sequences and create a believable world. The production design and costume design contribute to the authentic period setting.

Editing & Screenplay

Karthik Subbaraj’s screenplay is complex, weaving together multiple narrative threads. The editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali maintains a generally brisk pace, though some critics pointed out occasional lags, particularly in the later half. The non-linear storytelling and the shifts between different timelines are handled with skill, adding depth to the narrative.

Positives / What Works

“Retro” is lauded for Suriya’s exceptional performance, Karthik Subbaraj’s stylish direction, and the engaging action sequences. The film’s strong technical aspects, including cinematography and music, also stand out. The intriguing plot, combining elements of romance, crime, and prophecy, keeps the audience invested. Its commercial success further highlights its broad appeal.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its overall positive reception, some criticisms include minor pacing issues, especially in the second half, and a few instances where emotional depth could have been further explored. The controversy surrounding its box office numbers also raised questions about transparency.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Retro” is a compelling and stylish romantic action-thriller that showcases Suriya’s versatility and Karthik Subbaraj’s unique directorial vision. Despite some minor flaws in pacing, the film delivers a captivating narrative, strong performances, and impressive technical execution. It is a commercially successful and entertaining cinematic experience that appeals to a wide audience.

Movie Rating

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