Retro (2025)
DirectorKarthik Subbaraj
StarringSuriya, Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Jayaram
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Fans of Suriya and director Karthik Subbaraj who enjoy a blend of romance, action, and drama with a dark edge.
Where to watch Retro online in India
Subscription
NetflixAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Retro OTT release date
| Theatrical release (India) | 1 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| OTT / digital release (India) | 30 May 2025 |
| Gap between theatre and OTT | 29 days |
| Streaming now on | Netflix |
Release dates for India as listed on TMDB.
Retro story (no spoilers)
Retro stars Suriya as Paarivel Kannan, a man with a violent past who wants a fresh start. His hope for a quiet life is threatened when the world he left behind resurfaces, forcing him to confront old conflicts. Pooja Hegde plays Rukmini, and the story also features Joju George as Thilagan, Jayaram as 'Chaplin' Lolly, and Vidhu as 'King' Michael Mirasu. The film blends romance, action, and drama, with a tagline that promises 'Love. Laughter. War.' Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Retro runs 162 minutes and is certified U/A 16+ in India. It released in Tamil on 30 April 2025, with a theatrical release in India on 1 May 2025. The tone moves between light moments and intense conflict, as Paarivel's past refuses to stay buried. The overview hints at a story about redefining the future when old battles return. Santhosh Narayanan composed the music. Retro is not a simple action film; it uses its runtime to build the relationships and stakes around Paarivel's struggle.
Should you watch Retro?
Watch it for
- Suriya plays a dual role as Paarivel Kannan and Jada Muni, bringing a mix of vulnerability and intensity to a character with a violent past.
- Director Karthik Subbaraj (Jigarthanda, Super Deluxe) is known for blending dark humour and gritty action, and Retro's tagline 'Love. Laughter. War.' hints at that mix.
- The supporting cast includes Joju George, Jayaram, Nassar, and Prakash Raj, adding weight to the drama and action sequences.
- Santhosh Narayanan's music score complements the film's shifts between romance and conflict, with a runtime of 162 minutes allowing for a detailed story.
Skip it if
- You prefer shorter films; at 162 minutes, Retro demands patience as it builds its world and characters.
- You are not a fan of films that mix romance and action with a darker undercurrent; the U/A 16+ rating suggests moderate violence and mature themes.
- You want a straightforward action film without emotional drama; Retro spends significant time on relationships and past conflicts.
Retro cast
Suriyaas Paarivel Kannan / Jada Muni
Pooja Hegdeas Rukmini
Joju Georgeas Thilagan
Jayaramas 'Chaplin' Lolly
Vidhuas 'King' Michael Mirasu
Nassaras Rajavel Mirasu
Prakash Rajas Dharmendran
Sujith Sankaras Freddie Milton
Avinash Raghudevanas Prabhu
Karunakaranas Anthony
Gajarajas Lord Milton
Tamizhas PasupathiRetro movie details
| Director | Karthik Subbaraj |
|---|---|
| Writer | Karthik Subbaraj |
| Music | Santhosh Narayanan |
| Cinematography | Shreyaas Krishna |
| Producer | Suriya, Jyothika |
| Release date | 1 May 2025 |
| Runtime | 2h 42m (162 minutes) |
| Original language | Tamil |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Tamil |
| Original title | ரெட்ரோ |
| Certificate (India) | U/A 16+ |
| Budget | $6.3 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $25.4 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Retro family friendly?
Retro is certified U/A 16+ in India and includes action sequences and mature themes; this is a general guide. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Retro official trailer
Our verdict
Retro brings Suriya together with Karthik Subbaraj for a film that mixes romance, action, and drama around a man confronting his violent past. The strong supporting cast and Santhosh Narayanan's music add to the appeal, though the 162-minute runtime may test some viewers. It is a solid choice for fans of the director and star, but those seeking a light watch should note the U/A 16+ rating.
More movies directed by Karthik Subbaraj
Dorothy
Jagame ThandhiramMore Suriya movies
Vishwanath & Sons
Karuppu
Kanguva
Vikram
Jai Bhim
Soorarai PottruFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Retro online in India?
Retro is available for streaming on Netflix in India. It released on the platform on 30 May 2025.
When did Retro release in theatres?
Retro released in Tamil on 30 April 2025, with a theatrical release in India on 1 May 2025.
Who is in the cast of Retro?
The cast includes Suriya as Paarivel Kannan / Jada Muni, Pooja Hegde as Rukmini, Joju George as Thilagan, Jayaram as 'Chaplin' Lolly, Vidhu as 'King' Michael Mirasu, Nassar as Rajavel Mirasu, Prakash Raj as Dharmendran, and Sujith Sankar as Freddie Milton.
Who directed Retro?
Retro is directed by Karthik Subbaraj. The music is composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
What is the runtime and certificate of Retro?
Retro has a runtime of 162 minutes and is certified U/A 16+ in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.