Chennai, May 2, 2025 – The much-hyped Retro, starring Tamil cinema heavyweight Suriya, stormed into theaters yesterday, promising a heady mix of 80s nostalgia, romance, and action. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, the film had fans buzzing after slick trailers and a star-studded premiere. But early reviews, grounded in reports from major outlets, paint a mixed picture: Suriya’s charisma burns bright, yet a shaky script dims the glow.
The film, released on May 1, centers on Suriya as a larger-than-life savior figure, blending love and high-octane drama against a retro backdrop. Promotional materials, unveiled back on April 16, showcased vibrant visuals and a thumping score by Santhosh Narayanan. Industry insiders noted the project’s hefty budget, bankrolled by Suriya and Jyotika’s production banner, with additional backing from major South Indian studios. The cast, including Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, and Joju George, added to the pre-release frenzy.
Reports from Chennai’s trade circles confirm Retro opened strong, with packed morning shows across Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Theaters in Hyderabad reported brisk ticket sales, fueled by Suriya’s loyal fanbase. A single-shot action sequence, clocking in at 14 minutes, has been flagged as a technical standout, with cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna earning nods for gritty, dynamic visuals.
Yet, cracks appear in the storytelling. Coverage from established dailies highlights a promising first half that fizzles after the interval. The second act, weighed down by lengthy fight scenes, struggles to hold emotional weight. Hegde’s role, despite her polished performance, lacks depth, while supporting players like Jayaram are underused, their characters fading into the background. Subbaraj, known for bold narrative swings, aimed for a genre mash-up but missed the mark with a disjointed plot, according to festival screenings reported last week.
The music, however, hits a high note. Narayanan’s retro-infused tracks, released on April 20, have already climbed streaming charts, with two singles topping Spotify’s Tamil playlists. Behind the scenes, editor Shafique Mohamed Ali faced a tight deadline, with post-production wrapping just days before the premiere, per industry filings.
Retro’s release comes as Tamil cinema rides a wave of global attention, with stars like Suriya drawing crowds beyond India. The actor, fresh off a string of hits, reportedly spent months prepping for the role, including physical training for the film’s demanding stunts. But even his star power can’t fully salvage the uneven execution, as noted in early box-office analyses.
The film runs for 2 hours and 48 minutes, rated U/A by the Central Board of Film Certification. It’s playing in over 1,200 screens across India, with dubbed versions in Telugu and Hindi. Overseas markets, including the UAE and Malaysia, kicked off screenings on May 1, targeting the Tamil diaspora.