Suriya’s much-anticipated action drama Retro, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2025, and has already generated significant buzz following its first major international review from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The Tamil-language film has received a 15 rating, praised for its gritty portrayal of violence, emotional intensity, and powerful performances.
The film, which features Suriya in a retro-styled, intense avatar, revolves around a former gangster who had sworn off violence but is forced back into the underworld to protect his estranged wife from imminent threats. According to the BBFC’s brief plot summary, Retro promises an emotional and high-octane blend of action and character-driven storytelling, showcasing Suriya's layered role that explores themes of loyalty, love, and redemption.
Alongside Suriya, the film stars Pooja Hegde as the female lead, supported by a talented ensemble cast that includes Jayaram, Joju George, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Karunakaran, and Swasika. The music for Retro is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, expected to enhance the film's edgy and emotional tone.
The BBFC awarded Retro a 15 certificate for its strong bloody violence, language, and threat. This classification hints at a gripping, mature narrative suited for audiences looking for a realistic portrayal of high-stakes conflict rather than sanitized action.
As the release date approaches, the excitement for Retro continues to build, especially as it will open simultaneously with Nani’s HIT: The Third Case. Despite the box office clash, both production teams have publicly extended mutual good wishes, framing it as a healthy competition within the vibrant Indian cinema landscape.
With powerful early reviews and high anticipation among fans, Retro is shaping up to be a defining performance for Suriya and another directorial triumph for Karthik Subbaraj. If audience response matches the BBFC’s early praise, Retro could emerge as one of the biggest Tamil hits of 2025, setting new benchmarks for action thrillers rooted in emotional storytelling.
The film’s premise, depicting a strong-headed protagonist who tries to leave his past behind, resonates with viewers as it taps into the universal themes of redemption and the struggle against one’s history. In a recent review, a self-proclaimed critic and overseas censor board member, Umair Sandhu, shared his views on Retro, praising Suriya's performance and the film's engaging climax.
As the excitement surrounding Retro builds, industry insiders are keen to see how it performs against other major releases. Suriya’s last theatrical release, Kanguva, opened with a massive 22 crore, marking it as the biggest opener of the actor’s career. However, with Retro facing stiff competition from HIT: The Third Case and other films, the expectations are tempered.
While Suriya may not surpass his best opening with Retro, industry analysts believe he could still secure a spot among the top five highest Tamil openers of 2025. Currently, the highest Tamil opening of the year is held by Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly, which opened at 29.25 crore, followed by Vidaamuyarchi at 27 crore.
For Suriya to enter the top five, Retro needs to earn at least 3 crore, which would push Vishal’s Madha Gaja Raja out of the list. The top five Tamil openers of 2025 are as follows:
- Good Bad Ugly: 29.25 crore
- Vidaamuyarchi: 27 crore
- Dragon: 5.4 crore
- Veera Dheera Sooran: 3.2 crore
- Madha Gaja Raja: 3 crore
While box office numbers are based on estimates and various sources, the anticipation for Retro remains high. With its engaging plot, strong performances, and a talented crew, the film is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian cinema landscape.
As audiences prepare for the release, the film’s exploration of themes like redemption and the consequences of past choices resonates deeply. With a combination of action, drama, and emotional depth, Retro is set to captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression.
