Retro (2025) Movie Bollyflix

Retro, the 2025 Tamil action-drama film directed by Karthik Subbaraj, marks a significant collaboration between the acclaimed filmmaker and superstar Suriya. This gangster drama, which hit theaters on May 1, 2025, brings together an impressive ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Joju George, Karunakaran, Nassar, and Prakash Raj.

Set against a vibrant backdrop with period elements, Retro explores themes of redemption, love, and the inescapable nature of one’s past. The film is produced by Jyotika and Suriya under their banner, with music composed by Santhosh Narayanan. Running for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, the movie blends Subbaraj’s signature pulp fiction style with mainstream commercial elements.

Retro Movie Actors

Plot and Storyline

The narrative centers around Paarivel Kannan, portrayed by Suriya, a reformed gangster who desperately seeks to leave his violent past behind. After falling in love with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), he makes a solemn vow to abandon his life of crime and violence.

However, Paari’s attempts at leading a quiet life are constantly threatened by the emergence of old enemies and buried secrets. The story takes viewers through various time periods and locations, including the mysterious Black Island, where slaves and a king play crucial roles in the narrative.

Cast Performance

Suriya delivers a commendable performance as Paarivel Kannan, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His portrayal of a man torn between his violent past and peaceful aspirations is nuanced and engaging. The actor successfully navigates the emotional complexities of his character.

Pooja Hegde, as Rukmini, provides a strong supporting performance that complements Suriya’s intensity. Her chemistry with the lead actor is palpable, and she manages to hold her own in emotionally charged sequences.

Joju George, in particular, stands out as Tilak, a notorious gangster who serves as one of the film’s primary antagonists. His menacing presence and calculated performance add tension to the proceedings.

Direction and Technical Excellence

Karthik Subbaraj’s direction is both the film’s greatest strength and its most divisive element. Known for his unconventional storytelling methods and visual flair, Subbaraj brings his signature style to Retro.

The film’s visual treatment deserves special mention. Cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna has created a vibrant and noticeable color palette that enhances the film’s retro aesthetic. The set design is meticulously crafted, with each location serving as an integral part of the storytelling.

Santhosh Narayanan’s music composition adds another layer of sophistication to the film. His background score complements the narrative’s emotional beats while the songs enhance the film’s overall mood and atmosphere.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Retro has received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances, direction, music, action sequences, and visual appeal. However, the film has also faced criticism for pacing issues and an occasionally convoluted narrative structure.

On IMDb, the film currently holds a rating of 7.2 out of 10, indicating generally favorable audience reception. BookMyShow users have been particularly generous, giving the film a solid 9 out of 10 rating based on over 3,700 reviews.

Professional critics have offered mixed but mostly positive assessments. Many have praised Suriya and Pooja Hegde’s performances, along with Subbaraj’s direction and the film’s technical aspects.

Box Office Performance

Retro’s box office performance has been respectable, though it fell short of reaching the coveted 100-crore mark. The film opened strongly on its first day, collecting approximately ₹19.25 crores.

By its eleventh day, Retro had grossed approximately ₹91.78 crores globally, with the domestic market contributing around ₹68 crores. The film’s final worldwide gross is estimated to be between ₹97-250 crores, making it a moderate commercial success.

The film performed particularly well in Tamil Nadu, where it became the third-highest grosser of 2025. The highest occupancy was recorded in Pondicherry at 40%, followed by strong performances in other major cities.

What We Liked

The film’s visual aesthetics stand out as one of its major strengths. The vibrant color palette and meticulous set design create an immersive world that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Suriya’s performance is another highlight, showcasing his range as an actor and his commitment to the character. The chemistry between Suriya and Pooja Hegde adds emotional depth to the narrative.

The technical aspects of the film, including cinematography and music, are consistently excellent. The action sequences are well-choreographed and entertaining, maintaining the film’s stylistic consistency throughout.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, Retro has several areas where it could have been better. The most significant issue is the film’s pacing, particularly in the first half. The cult plot elements in the initial portions have been described as slow and dull.

The narrative structure, while ambitious, occasionally becomes convoluted and confusing. The film takes too many detours and introduces plot threads that don’t always serve the main story effectively.

The film’s length of 2 hours and 30 minutes feels excessive for the story being told. Tighter editing could have improved the pacing and made the narrative more engaging throughout.

Public and Critical Consensus

The public reception of Retro has been generally positive, with audiences appreciating the film’s visual style, performances, and technical excellence. The high ratings on platforms like BookMyShow reflect audience satisfaction with the overall entertainment value.

Critics have been more measured in their praise, acknowledging the film’s strengths while pointing out its weaknesses. The consensus suggests that while Retro may not be Karthik Subbaraj’s best work, it succeeds as an entertaining gangster drama.

Final Verdict

Retro (2025) emerges as a stylish and technically accomplished gangster drama that showcases both the strengths and limitations of its ambitious approach. While it may not reach the heights of Karthik Subbaraj’s previous acclaimed works, it succeeds in providing an entertaining cinematic experience.

The film’s exploration of redemption and the inescapable nature of one’s past resonates with audiences, even when the execution isn’t always perfect. Suriya’s committed performance and the film’s visual aesthetics make it a worthwhile addition to the gangster genre.

For viewers seeking a stylish, well-crafted commercial entertainer with substance, Retro delivers on most fronts. The film’s moderate commercial success and generally positive reception suggest that it has found its audience, making it a decent theatrical experience for fans of the genre.