What happens when a gangster vows to leave his violent past for love, only to be pulled back by destiny? Retro (2025), a Tamil-language romantic action thriller, dives into this question with a mix of heart, action, and philosophical depth. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, this film has sparked conversations among Indian movie lovers for its bold ambition and stellar performances. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s explore the Retro movie, its cast, box office performance, OTT release prospects, and what makes it a must-watch—or not—for fans.
As an Indian movie enthusiast, you’ve likely followed Suriya’s journey from Kanguva’s disappointment to Retro’s promise of redemption. This article unpacks the film’s plot, strengths, flaws, and everything you need to know, blending insights from reviews and fan reactions. Whether you’re deciding to catch it in theaters or waiting for its OTT release, here’s your guide to Retro.
Table of Contents
What Is Retro About? A Tale of Love, Laughter, and War
Retro (taglined Love-Laughter-War) follows Paarivel “Paari” Kannan (Suriya), an orphan raised by a gangster’s wife, Sandhya, in 1960s Thoothukudi. Marked by a spear-shaped scar, Paari grows up under the shadow of his adoptive father, Thilagan (Joju George), who sees him as a mere henchman. Paari’s life takes a turn when he reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), a veterinarian who demands he abandon his violent ways. Their love story, set against a backdrop of crime and betrayal, unfolds across decades, from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The plot thickens at their wedding, where Paari’s decision to leave the criminal world sparks conflict. A mysterious “Gold Fish” arms deal, linked to a prime ministerial candidate, leads to a violent fallout with Thilagan. When Paari retaliates to protect Rukmini, their relationship fractures, sending him on a journey to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There, he confronts a violent cult, a prophecy, and his own identity. Will Paari find redemption, or is he destined to be a warrior like Krishna, not a pacifist like Buddha?
Cast of Retro (Film): A Stellar Ensemble
The film boasts a talented cast that brings depth to its layered narrative:
- Suriya as Paarivel “Paari” Kannan: Suriya delivers a powerhouse performance, balancing vulnerability and intensity. His portrayal of a man torn between violence and love is the film’s emotional core.
- Pooja Hegde as Rukmini: In a de-glamorous role, Pooja shines as the pacifist veterinarian, though some reviews note her character lacks depth.
- Joju George as Thilagan: The adoptive father blends menace and humor, adding gravitas to the father-son dynamic.
- Jayaram as Dr. Chaplin: His comedic timing provides light relief, though it occasionally feels misplaced.
- Supporting Cast: Nassar, Prakash Raj, Vidhu, and others add quirky energy, with mixed results.
Read More: The Greatest Of All Time (GOAT): Cast, Reviews, Showtimes & More
Retro Box Office Collection: A Commercial Triumph
Despite mixed reviews, Retro has been a massive commercial success. Released on May 1, 2025, in Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu, the film grossed ₹200–250 crore worldwide against a ₹60–65 crore budget, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2025 and Suriya’s career-best earner. Its success stems from Suriya’s star power, Subbaraj’s cult following, and strong word-of-mouth in Tamil Nadu and Telugu states. The film’s technical brilliance, including a standout single-take wedding sequence, also drew audiences to theaters.
However, some fans on social media have debated whether the box office numbers reflect genuine appreciation or hype-driven turnout. Have you seen Retro in theaters? Did the action-packed visuals live up to the buzz?
Retro OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch
As of September 19, 2025, Retro has not announced an official OTT release date. Based on industry trends, Tamil blockbusters typically hit streaming platforms 4–8 weeks after theatrical release. Given its May 1 debut, Retro is likely to stream on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video by late June or July 2025. Some sources suggest Netflix, which has previously hosted Suriya’s films, as a frontrunner.
Want to catch up on Suriya’s classics while waiting? Stream Singam or 7 Aum Arivu on OTTplay Premium for a dose of his action-hero charm.
Strengths of Retro: What Works
Retro shines in several areas, making it a compelling watch for Indian movie lovers:
- Suriya’s Performance: His emotional range—from a stoic gangster to a lovestruck hero—anchors the film. Fans have praised his ability to carry complex scenes, especially the “Kanimaa” song sequence.
- Technical Brilliance: Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography and Santhosh Narayanan’s foot-tapping soundtrack create an immersive 1960s–90s aesthetic. The single-take wedding sequence is a technical marvel, hailed as 2024’s most audacious action set-piece.
- Ambitious Themes: The film explores love, betrayal, destiny, and the clash between violence and peace, drawing parallels to Krishna and Buddha. This philosophical depth resonates with intermediate audiences who enjoy layered storytelling.
- Pooja Hegde’s Fresh Avatar: Her de-glamorous role as Rukmini offers a new side of the actress, earning praise for authenticity.
Shortcomings: Where Retro Falters
Despite its strengths, Retro has flaws that may frustrate viewers:
- Overstuffed Narrative: The film juggles too many themes—love, crime, spirituality, and political intrigue—leading to a pacing dip in the second half. Some reviews liken it to Subbaraj’s Jigarthanda Double X for its ambitious but muddled execution.
- Pacing Issues: The second half drags, with prolonged action sequences overshadowing the emotional core. Critics note that the climax, echoing Jigarthanda Double X, feels forced.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Rukmini’s pacifism lacks a strong backstory, making her decisions feel abrupt. Supporting characters, like Vidhu’s cult leader, sometimes disrupt the narrative flow.
- Genre Shifts: The shift to a “Squid Game-meets-Hunger Games” subplot in the Andamans feels out of place, diluting the film’s focus.
Have you ever watched a film that started strong but lost its way? Retro might evoke that feeling, but Suriya’s charisma keeps it watchable.
Why Retro Stands Out for Indian Movie Lovers
For intermediate Indian movie fans, Retro offers a blend of masala entertainment and deeper themes. Its 1960s–90s setting taps into nostalgia, while the Krishna-Buddha conflict adds intellectual heft. Suriya and Subbaraj’s collaboration feels like a love letter to Tamil cinema, with references to Suriya’s iconic roles (like Vel) woven subtly into the narrative.
Compared to recent Tamil blockbusters like Kanguva, Retro fares better commercially and critically, though it doesn’t match the emotional depth of classics like Barfi or Devdas. Its unique angle—blending retro aesthetics with philosophical questions—sets it apart from typical gangster dramas.
FAQ: Common Questions About Retro Movie
Is Retro worth watching in theaters?
If you love Suriya’s intensity or Subbaraj’s stylish direction, Retro’s first half and technical brilliance make it a theatrical treat. However, the uneven second half may disappoint if you prefer tight narratives.
What is the “Gold Fish” deal in Retro?
It’s a codename for a high-stakes arms smuggling operation tied to a political figure. Paari’s refusal to reveal its details triggers the film’s central conflict.
Where was Retro filmed?
Filming took place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ooty, Kerala, and Chennai, adding authenticity to its period setting.
Is Retro available on Netflix?
As of September 2025, Retro is not yet on OTT platforms. Expect a release on Netflix or Amazon Prime by July 2025.
Conclusion: Should You Watch Retro?
Retro is a bold, imperfect gem that showcases Suriya’s star power and Subbaraj’s flair for ambitious storytelling. Its blend of romance, action, and philosophy appeals to Indian movie lovers who enjoy films with depth and dazzle. While the overstuffed narrative and pacing issues hold it back, the film’s technical achievements and emotional highs make it worth a watch—especially for Suriya fans.
Ready to dive into Retro? Check it out in theaters or keep an eye out for its OTT release. Want more insights on Tamil cinema? Join our free Slack community for movie discussions and exclusive content. Or download our Tamil Cinema Guide for curated recommendations.
