Retro is a 2025 Indian action-thriller film directed by Karthik Subbaraj, featuring Suriya and Pooja Hegde in lead roles. The film was released on May 1, 2025, in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages.
The story revolves around a former gangster striving to lead a peaceful life after vowing to his wife, only to have his past catch up with him, jeopardizing his newfound tranquility.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Karthik Subbaraj |
| Written by | Karthik Subbaraj |
| Produced by | Jyothika, Suriya, Kaarthekeyen Santhanam, Rajsekar Pandian |
| Starring | Suriya, Pooja Hegde |
| Cinematography | Shreyaas Krishna |
| Edited by | Shafique Mohamed Ali |
| Music by | Santhosh Narayanan |
| Production companies | Stone Bench Films, 2D Entertainment |
| Distributed by | See below (not specified) |
| Release date | 1 May 2025 |
| Running time | 168 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
| Budget | ₹65 crore |
| Box office | ₹31.5—32 crore |
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Story/ Summary
Retro follows the intense journey of Michael (played by Suriya), a former gangster who has left behind a violent past in pursuit of peace and a normal life with his loving wife (Pooja Hegde). After years of bloodshed and chaos, Michael has turned over a new leaf, choosing a quieter life in a small town, running a local café and trying to forget who he once was.
However, the past has a way of catching up.
When a powerful enemy from Michael’s old life resurfaces, seeking revenge, he is forced back into a world he promised to abandon. As the line between right and wrong blurs, Michael must protect everything he now holds dear his family, his values, and his newfound identity all while facing the consequences of the man he used to be.
The film blends action, suspense, and emotion, with strong social undertones and a retro noir visual style. Director Karthik Subbaraj uses a non-linear narrative to explore themes of redemption, loyalty, and the price of violence.
Cast
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Suriya | Paarivel “Paari” Kannan / Jada Muni |
| Harish | Teenage Paari |
| Nithran Sai | Child Paari |
| Pooja Hegde | Rukmini Paari “Rukku” |
| Aavni | Young Rukmini |
| Joju George | Thilagan |
| Jayaram | Dr. Chaplin Lolly |
| Nassar | Rajavel Mirasu |
| Prakash Raj | Dharman |
| Vidhu | Michael Mirasu |
| Sanjay | Young Michael |
| Karunakaran | Anthony |
| Gajaraj | Lord Milton |
| Swasika | Sandhya |
| Avinash Raghudevan | Prabhu |
| Rakesh Rakku | Paraman |
| Kumar Natarajan | Guruman |
| Kaarthekeyen Santhanam | Hakkim |
| Thamizh | Pasupathy, Paari’s Biological Father |
| Sujith Shankar | Freddie Milton |
| Muthukumar | Bakyam |
| Singampuli | Rukmini’s father |
| Sathya | Rukmini’s friend |
| Rajsekar Karpoorasundarapandian | School Headmaster |
| Vijay Muthu | Vijay Muthu |
| Prem Kumar | Murugan |
| Sandeep Raj | Rangan |
| Ramachandran Durairaj | Ramachandran |
| MD Asif | Red Team Head |
| Arul | Pasupathy’s aide |
| Murugavel | Murugavel |
| Muthupandii | Muthupandi |
| Manoj | Semba |
| Yamuna | Pallavi |
| Nithish | Thilagan’s First Son |
| Thirshiv | Thilagan’s Second Son |
| Sanjay | Thilagan’s Third Son |
| Remya Suresh | Lakshmi |
| Sabitha Roy | Paari’s Biological Sister |
| Sai Dheena | Dheena |
| Seemon Abbas | Hakkim’s Aide |
| Mohan Das | Astrologer |
| Aranganathan | Doctor |
| Ashokraja | Jailer |
| Sooraj | Jailer |
| Manoj | Shanmugapandi |
| Merlin | Shanmugapandi’s Wife |
| Sathuryan | Saamiyar |
| Selvakumar | Andaman Forest Police |
| Jeeva Pandi | Young Paari’s Enemy |
| Vinoth | Young Paari’s Enemy |
| Alavudeen | Convict |
| Gana Kamarah | Convict |
| Vetri Gopi GPR | Convict |
| Ezhil | Anthony’s Aide |
| Santhosh Kanna | Anthony’s Aide |
| Naveen | Anthony’s Aide |
| Hari Krishna | Freddie’s Aide |
| Surendhar | Freddie’s Aide |
| Sai Dinesh | Freddie’s Aide |
| Giridharaja | Freddie’s Aide |
| Shriya Saran | Blue Thorn, dancer in “Love Detox” (Cameo) |
| Santhosh Narayanan | Innisai, dancer in “Kanimaa” (Cameo) |
Box Office Performance
In Tamil Nadu, Retro achieved a career-best opening for Suriya. However, in the Telugu states, the film faced stiff competition from Nani’s HIT 3, leading to a poor opening and low occupancy rates.
Expected Critical & Audience Response
⭐ Overall Rating: 5/5
