Retro

Love. Laughter. War.

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About the movie :

Retro is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language romantic action film written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The film stars Suriya as Paarivel ‘Paari’ Kannan, an orphan raised by a gangster, who embarks on a journey to uncover his true origins, confront a violent cult, and reunite with his lost love, Rukmini, played by Pooja Hegde. The narrative blends themes of love, betrayal, and destiny, set against a backdrop of intense action and emotional depth.

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Retro Movie Cast and Crew :

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Retro Budget & Box Office Details :

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Retro Review :

Critics praised Retro for its stylish action sequences, compelling performances by Suriya and Pooja Hegde, and its blend of romance and drama. Some reviews noted pacing issues in the latter half, but overall, the film was well-received.

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Retro Awards & Nominations :

No major awards reported

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Retro OTT Details :

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Lesser known facts :

Inspired by Mythology but Subtle:

The film weaves in references to Lord Krishna and Rukmini, with Suriya’s character Paarivel Kannan (Paari) named after a divine spear birthmark, symbolizing a mythological connection. However, unlike overt mythological films, Retro uses these references subtly, blending them with a gangster narrative and Buddhist philosophy of “Dhammam” (universal truth or purpose).

 

Suriya’s Smile as a Character Arc:

A unique aspect of the film is that Suriya’s character, Paari, who is unable to smile due to childhood trauma, has his smile treated as a full-fledged character arc. Director Karthik Subbaraj crafts moments where Paari’s rare smiles, especially in scenes with Rukmini, become pivotal emotional beats, tying into the film’s theme of “Laughter” as a weapon against oppression.

 

Filming at Cellular Jail:

The movie’s first shooting schedule included action sequences filmed at the historic Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a location rarely used in Tamil cinema. This added an authentic backdrop to the story’s intense second half set in the Andamans.

 

Single-Take Sequence Mastery:

Retro features a highly praised 15-minute single-take sequence that includes the song “Kanimaa,” action, drama, and a near-death incident. This technically challenging shot, choreographed by Kecha Khamphakdee, was a favorite of Suriya and is considered a standout moment in Tamil cinema for its seamless execution.

 

Connection to Jigarthanda DoubleX:

The film’s second half, set in the Andaman Islands, has drawn comparisons to Karthik Subbaraj’s Jigarthanda DoubleX due to its thematic focus on oppression and revolution. Some critics even noted that Retro feels like a spiritual successor to Jigarthanda DoubleX, with similar commentary on political issues like the Eelam cause, though presented in a more commercial format with Suriya’s star power.

 

Cameo by Santhosh Narayanan:

Music composer Santhosh Narayanan, known for his thumping background score in Retro, makes a brief cameo appearance in the film, a subtle nod to fans familiar with Subbaraj’s quirky touches in his movies.

 

Controversy Over Box Office Numbers:

Despite Retro grossing ₹97–250 crore worldwide, making it Suriya’s highest-grossing film, some netizens accused the team of inflating box office figures. Social media debates claimed the actual nett collection in India was closer to ₹60 crore, sparking discussions about transparency in South Indian film box office reporting.

 

Pooja Hegde’s Vintage Saree:

During promotions, Pooja Hegde wore a 70-year-old Kanjivaram saree from her vintage collection, sharing nostalgic memories of her grandmother. This personal touch connected her character Rukmini’s traditional vibe to the film’s retro aesthetic.

 

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