'Retro': Will Suriya make a strong box office comeback through Karthik Subbaraj's directorial?
etimes.in | May 1, 2025, 10.12 AM IST
After the underwhelming response to 'Kanguva', Suriya is back with renewed energy in 'Retro', a film directed by the acclaimed Karthik Subbaraj. Produced on a massive budget, 'Retro' is crafted as a grand-scale Pan-Indian project. With cinematography handled by Shreyaas Krishna and music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, the film boasts a top-class technical team. The songs of 'Retro' blend vintage vibes with modern energy, perfectly matching the film's period gangster theme. The soundtrack has already struck a chord with fans, adding to the pre-release excitement. The production aimed for a nostalgic yet gritty feel, staying true to Karthik Subbaraj’s signature style.
Star-studded cast adds excitement to 'Retro'
In 'Retro', Suriya plays a gangster, a role that marks a stylish shift for the star. Pooja Hegde plays the female lead, pairing with Suriya for the first time, adding a fresh on-screen chemistry. The film also features powerhouse performers like Joju George, Jayaram, Karunakaran, Thamizh, and Prem Kumar in key roles, promising strong character-driven drama. With such a diverse cast, 'Retro' is positioned not just as a Suriya-centric film, but as an ensemble showcase with strong supporting performances.
A period gangster tale with modern twists
'Retro' is set in the vibrant backdrop of the 80s, narrating the story of a feared gangster who battles personal and external conflicts. The storyline promises a mix of action, nostalgia, and emotional drama. Karthik Subbaraj, known for his love for retro settings and layered narratives, has reportedly crafted 'Retro' as a stylish entertainer with powerful dialogues, memorable set pieces, and soulful music.
Promotions, release buzz, and advance booking frenzy
Ahead of its May 1 Labor Day release, the makers have aggressively promoted 'Retro' across India, participating in multi-city events and releasing mass-appealing trailers. The team has hyped the audience well through their insights about the film, and their confidence adds a significant buzz. The ticket bookings opened on April 27 and immediately witnessed an explosive response. Massive pre-sales led to temporary server crashes on several ticketing platforms, highlighting the sky-high anticipation for the film.
See more: Retro Movie Review & Release Live update
Box Office expectations soar for 'Retro'
Within just 24 hours of opening advance bookings, 'Retro' reportedly grossed over ₹5 crore in Tamil Nadu alone, breaking previous records set by major stars. Early trends indicate that 'Retro' could enjoy a blockbuster opening weekend, with all shows moving towards houseful status. Industry trackers are predicting a Rs 25-30 crore opening day in India, with even bigger figures expected if word-of-mouth turns favorable post-release. 'Retro' promises to be a strong box office comeback of Suriya, following the period drama 'Kanguva', which failed to recover its budget.
Star-studded cast adds excitement to 'Retro'
In 'Retro', Suriya plays a gangster, a role that marks a stylish shift for the star. Pooja Hegde plays the female lead, pairing with Suriya for the first time, adding a fresh on-screen chemistry. The film also features powerhouse performers like Joju George, Jayaram, Karunakaran, Thamizh, and Prem Kumar in key roles, promising strong character-driven drama. With such a diverse cast, 'Retro' is positioned not just as a Suriya-centric film, but as an ensemble showcase with strong supporting performances.
A period gangster tale with modern twists
'Retro' is set in the vibrant backdrop of the 80s, narrating the story of a feared gangster who battles personal and external conflicts. The storyline promises a mix of action, nostalgia, and emotional drama. Karthik Subbaraj, known for his love for retro settings and layered narratives, has reportedly crafted 'Retro' as a stylish entertainer with powerful dialogues, memorable set pieces, and soulful music.
Promotions, release buzz, and advance booking frenzy
Ahead of its May 1 Labor Day release, the makers have aggressively promoted 'Retro' across India, participating in multi-city events and releasing mass-appealing trailers. The team has hyped the audience well through their insights about the film, and their confidence adds a significant buzz. The ticket bookings opened on April 27 and immediately witnessed an explosive response. Massive pre-sales led to temporary server crashes on several ticketing platforms, highlighting the sky-high anticipation for the film.
See more: Retro Movie Review & Release Live update
Box Office expectations soar for 'Retro'
Within just 24 hours of opening advance bookings, 'Retro' reportedly grossed over ₹5 crore in Tamil Nadu alone, breaking previous records set by major stars. Early trends indicate that 'Retro' could enjoy a blockbuster opening weekend, with all shows moving towards houseful status. Industry trackers are predicting a Rs 25-30 crore opening day in India, with even bigger figures expected if word-of-mouth turns favorable post-release. 'Retro' promises to be a strong box office comeback of Suriya, following the period drama 'Kanguva', which failed to recover its budget.