Surya’s Retro, released on May 1, 2025, has set the screens ablaze, generating massive expectations among audiences. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, this romantic action entertainer delivers a visually stunning and emotionally charged cinematic experience for Surya fans. In this in-depth review, we explore Retro’s storyline, performances, technical brilliance, box office success, social media buzz, and why it stands as a must-watch film of the season.
Retro Movie Storyline
Retro is a gritty period gangster drama set in the backdrop of the 1970s and 1980s, masterfully blending romance, action, and raw emotion. Surya steps into the role of a feared gangster seeking redemption through love and peace, marking a character transformation that resonates throughout the film. Pooja Hegde plays the female lead with charm and grace, complementing Surya with remarkable on-screen chemistry. With its tagline “Love, Laughter, War,” the narrative balances intense action with tender romantic moments and emotional arcs, keeping the audience hooked with unexpected twists and poignant drama.
Performances and Direction
Surya once again showcases his unmatched versatility, commanding every frame with his screen presence and delivering powerful dialogue with emotional depth. His performance in key emotional scenes is particularly moving and elevates the film. Pooja Hegde delivers a captivating act, bringing elegance and emotion in equal measure. The chemistry between the leads adds warmth to an otherwise intense storyline. Supporting actors like Bogan Sairaj, Madhavan, and Sarath Kumar bolster the film with impactful performances.
Karthik Subbaraj’s direction is the cornerstone of Retro. His distinctive storytelling style, gripping screenplay, and sharp visual storytelling transform Retro into a cult-worthy spectacle. Echoes of his earlier works like Pizza and Jigarthanda can be felt, yet Retro stands out with its own cinematic identity.
Technical Aspects
Santhosh Narayanan’s music plays a pivotal role in the film’s emotional and narrative depth. The chartbuster song “Kanima” has already crossed 40 million views, becoming a social media sensation. His background score intensifies both emotional highs and action peaks, making scenes unforgettable. Shreyas Krishna’s cinematography is another major asset, brilliantly recreating the vintage charm of the ’70s and ’80s with retro hues, authentic set designs, and striking frames that transport the audience to a different era.
Shafique Mohammed Ali’s editing ensures a tight narrative flow, maintaining a well-paced rhythm that never overstays its welcome. The action sequences, especially the climactic showdown, are choreographed with flair, showcasing Surya’s physicality and energy at their best.
Box Office Performance
Retro made a roaring start at the box office, earning ₹5.2 crore in pre-sales alone, placing it among the top five Tamil openers of 2025. With over 2 lakh tickets sold in Tamil Nadu, it broke the record previously held by Good Bad Ugly. As a pan-India release in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, the film is also receiving strong responses in Kerala, Karnataka, and North India. Netflix’s acquisition of its digital rights for ₹80 crore underlines the film’s buzz. Within its opening weekend, Retro amassed over ₹50 crore net, marking one of the most successful openings in Surya’s career.
Social Media Reactions
On social media, Retro has become a phenomenon, trending with hashtags like #RetroMania and #SuryaRetro. Fans praised Surya’s intense comeback with comments like “Surya is back with a bang!” and “Karthik Subbaraj delivers a mass classic.” While some viewers felt the romantic subplot lacked emotional depth, the overall consensus applauded the film’s action, style, and direction. The trailer has already crossed 10 million views, a testament to the hype surrounding the film.
Retro Movie Rating
Based on critic reviews and fan feedback, Retro has secured ratings ranging from 3.25 to 3.5 out of 5. For Surya fans, especially after the underwhelming Kanguva, Retro is seen as a fitting comeback. Critics have praised the film’s visual aesthetics, musical score, and Surya’s commanding performance. However, a few felt that the screenplay in the second half could have been tighter.
Why You Should Watch It
Retro offers everything a commercial film lover could ask for—Surya’s explosive performance, Karthik Subbaraj’s stylistic brilliance, Santhosh Narayanan’s stirring music, and a visual journey back in time with the aesthetics of the 1970s and 80s. Pooja Hegde’s glamour and performance add to the charm, and the emotional core of the film ensures it’s more than just an action fest. It’s an engaging blend of romance, drama, and high-voltage action with plenty of surprises along the way.
Drawbacks
Some portions of the second half may feel slightly stretched, and the romantic arc could have been given more emotional layering.
Final Verdict
Retro is a cinematic celebration tailor-made for Surya fans and lovers of stylish, content-rich Indian cinema. It’s a film that pays homage to vintage storytelling while delivering modern-day thrills. This summer weekend, head to your nearest theater, witness Surya’s larger-than-life performance, and revel in the Retro experience.
