Retro (2025) Movie BAPPAM
Retro is a Tamil-language romantic action film released on May 1, 2025, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, known for his signature style of mixing genres and creating unique cinematic experiences. The film is produced by Stone Bench Films and 2D Entertainment, with Suriya and Pooja Hegde playing the lead roles.
| Film Name | Retro |
| Starring Cast | Joju George, Suriya, Pooja Hegde |
| Directed By | Karthik Subbaraj |
| First Lead | Suriya |
| Production House | 2D Entertainment, Stone Bench Creations |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Romance |
| Movie Duration | 2h 48m |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 stars |
The film features music by Santhosh Narayanan, marking his first collaboration with Suriya and continuing his creative partnership with Subbaraj. From love to laughter to intense battles, Retro is a complete entertainer with a core theme built around a personal quest for truth, love, and identity. The tagline “Love – Laughter – War” perfectly sums up the wide emotional range that this film explores.
Retro Casting
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Nassar | Rajavel Mirasu |
| Prakash Raj | Dharmendran |
| Vidhu | ‘King’ Michael Mirasu |
| Pooja Hegde | Rukmani |
| Jayaram | ‘Chaplin’ Lolly |
| Sujith Sankar | Freddie Milton |
| Swasika | Sandhya |
| Joju George | Thilagam |
| Suriya | Jada Muni / Paarivel Kannan |
| Singampuli | Rukmini’s Father |
Plot and Storyline
Retro follows the life of Paarivel “Paari” Kannan, an orphan raised by a gangster, who one day learns that he might have a completely different past. His journey to uncover his true identity takes him through betrayals, dark cults, and an emotional reunion with his lost love, Rukmini.
The story is told in two parts: the first half builds up the characters and relationships, while the second half dives into action-packed sequences and emotional revelations. The film travels through visually rich locations like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ooty, Kerala, and Chennai, enhancing the viewer’s experience.
Cast Performance
Suriya delivers a powerful and emotional performance as Paari, portraying his internal struggles and growth convincingly. Critics and fans alike have praised his depth and screen presence. Pooja Hegde, who makes her Tamil dubbing debut, plays Rukmini with charm and elegance, giving a memorable performance that balances the film’s emotional tone.
The supporting cast features strong performances from actors like Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram, who add both humor and intensity to the storyline. Their presence enriches the film and helps maintain a steady pace throughout.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Karthik Subbaraj once again proves his brilliance in handling multi-layered stories with genre-bending elements. His direction in Retro is focused, creative, and emotionally grounded, making it accessible yet impactful.
The cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna captures each location beautifully, enhancing the mood of the film. Editor Shafique Mohamed Ali maintains a tight narrative flow, and Santhosh Narayanan’s music complements the emotions perfectly. Songs like “Kanimaa” and “Kannadi Poove” have already become chartbusters.
Reviews and Ratings
Retro received positive reviews from critics. Many praised the engaging plot, visual appeal, and strong performances, especially Suriya’s role. While a few noted that the pacing in some parts could be tighter and that the promotional material didn’t fully reflect the movie’s tone, the overall response has been favorable.
The movie holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb, and audiences loved the soundtrack, with “Kanimaa” going viral across social platforms. Most major reviewers have appreciated the film’s balance of entertainment and emotion.
Public Reception
Audiences have welcomed Retro with open arms. Its release on International Workers’ Day helped push the box office numbers significantly. In Tamil Nadu, Retro recorded the highest first-day earnings for a Suriya film, breaking his previous record with Kanguva (2024).
Social media is full of fan reactions, dance covers, and tribute videos, especially for the music. The film’s combination of romance, action, and comedy has made it a crowd favorite, with many viewers praising its emotional depth and visual storytelling.
Conclusion
Retro is a complete entertainer that brings together great storytelling, solid performances, and striking visuals. With Suriya’s strong presence, Pooja Hegde’s charm, and Karthik Subbaraj’s creative direction, the film manages to be both commercially appealing and emotionally satisfying.
If you’re looking for a film that offers action, love, laughter, and mystery, Retro (2025) is definitely worth your time. It’s not just a movie—it’s an experience that lingers in your mind and heart long after the credits roll.