Retro: Hit Or Flop? Here's The Audience Verdict On Suriya And Karthik Subbaraj's Film

Retro: Hit or Flop? Karthik Subbaraj's much-anticipated Tamil romantic action film Retro, starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, hit theaters worldwide on May 1, 2025. Backed by Stone Bench Creations and 2D Entertainment, the film arrived with considerable expectations, thanks in part to its unique genre mix, star-studded cast, and the reputation of its director.

Set against the backdrop of love and violence, Retro follows the story of Paarivel "Paari" Kannan, a gangster attempting to leave behind a life of crime. As he seeks peace with his wife Rukmini, played by Pooja Hegde, complications emerge in the form of past enemies and hidden truths. The narrative weaves themes of redemption, emotional conflict, and action-packed drama.

Retro: The Early Viewers' Verdict

Since the film's release, early viewers have taken to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to share their opinions. Here's what audiences are saying about the Suriya and Pooja Hegde starrer.

The production of Retro commenced in mid-2024, with filming conducted across multiple locations, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ooty, Kerala, and Chennai. Shreyaas Krishna served as the cinematographer, while the production design was managed by Jacki and Mayapandi. Santhosh Narayanan composed both the soundtrack and the background score for the film.

Retro features an ensemble cast, headlined by Suriya as Paarivel "Paari" Kannan and Pooja Hegde as Rukmini "Rukku." The supporting cast includes Joju George, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, and Karunakaran, among others. The film was edited by Shafique Mohamed Ali and produced by Stone Bench Creations in association with 2D Entertainment. The direction team was headed by Karthik Subbaraj, who also wrote the screenplay.

As with many major releases, the coming days will offer more clarity on how Retro is received by a broader audience. Viewer responses and ongoing discussions are expected to shape the film's overall impression as more people watch it.

For now, Retro continues to draw attention following its theatrical release. How the film resonates with audiences over time will become more evident as reactions and reflections continue to surface across various platforms.