Retro (taglined Love-Laughter-War) is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language romantic action film written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj. Produced by Stone Bench Creations and 2D Entertainment, the film stars Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles. In the film, Paarivel “Paari” Kannan, an orphan raised by a gangster, faces betrayal and a violent cult as he searches for his true origins, fulfils a prophecy, and tries to reunite with his lost love, Rukmini.The film was announced in March 2024 under the tentative title Suriya 44, along with the tagline Love, Laughter, War. The title was revealed in December 2024. Principal photography commenced in June 2024 and wrapped by early-October. Filming locations included the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ooty, Kerala and Chennai. The film has music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography handled by Shreyaas Krishna and editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali.Retro was released on 1 May 2025 in standard and EPIQ formats. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Suriya and Pooja's performances and technical aspects, but some noted issues with the pacing. It emerged as a major commercial success and has grossed ₹97–200 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹60–65 crore, becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2025 and Suriya's highest-grossing film in his career.
Retro is a stylish and engaging gangster drama that stands out, not because of a complex plot, but because of its powerful lead performance and crisp execution.Suriya sir delivers an outstanding performance in a fierce role with a surprising emotional depth. He plays a tough character with a soft spot for his lady love, and that balance makes his portrayal both intense and endearing. The action sequences are particularly well-done—unique, gripping, and a treat to watch.The movie uses clever filmmaking and strong character moments to build tension and atmosphere. The music complements the scenes well, adding to the film’s overall tone and style.The supporting cast also shines, with everyone delivering solid performances that enhance the narrative. Though the story is simple, it’s the execution and Suriya sir's screen presence that elevate the film and make it memorable.Overall, Retro is a well-made, entertaining film that balances action, emotion, and style—definitely worth a watch!
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