After a successful run in theatres, Retro—the Suriya and Pooja Hegde-starrer—is now gearing up for its digital release. This romantic action drama, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, opened in cinemas on May 1, 2025, and was quick to grab attention with its unique storytelling, retro flavour, and intense performances. Set across decades and locations, the film struck a chord with fans of emotional storytelling blended with stylish action.
Movie Plot
At its heart, Retro is the story of Paari—a boy with a mysterious past, raised by a gangster, who grows up into a loyal enforcer only to be betrayed by the very people he considered family. When love enters his life in the form of Rukmini, his world begins to shift. But just as he's ready to walk away from violence, a larger conspiracy and a buried truth pull him into a fight that’s both deeply personal and strangely mythical.
The film takes us from 1960s Thoothukudi to 1990s Andaman, mixing gangster politics, star-crossed romance, and cultish gladiator battles. Along the way, Paari discovers that he's not just a man trying to make peace with his past, but someone destined for something much greater. The layered narrative weaves in themes of identity, justice, and second chances—all told through Subbaraj’s signature lens.
Review: Hits and Misses
Karthik Subbaraj brings his flair for genre-bending stories once again, and Retro is no exception. The film got a mostly positive response from critics, especially for its styling, music, and Suriya’s compelling performance. His transformation from an obedient orphan to a near-mythical warrior keeps you hooked, while Pooja Hegde’s Rukmini adds emotional weight.
Visually, the film is striking—old-school settings, saturated colours, vintage costume design—all adding to its throwback vibe. Santhosh Narayanan’s music is a major plus and helps drive the emotional beats. However, some viewers felt the second half lost a bit of steam, especially when the plot dipped into heavy symbolism and side arcs. Still, it managed to balance mass appeal with an artistic touch, which is no easy feat.
OTT Release
The digital rights for Retro have been picked up by Netflix, and we are expecting the movie to be available by first week or second week of June. It will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. However, there’s no official word yet on a Hindi-dubbed version.
Netflix had earlier confirmed the deal on social media by sharing the poster and writing:
“A man’s love can move mountains, but his rage? That’s Retro! Streaming soon on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.”
Read about other Tamil OTT releases and weekly watch guide.
