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Retro (film)

Upcoming film by Karthik Subbaraj From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Retro (film)

Retro (subtitled Love-Laughter-War) is an upcoming 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.

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Retro
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Theatrical release poster
Directed byKarthik Subbaraj
Written byKarthik Subbaraj
Produced byKaarthekeyen Santhanam
Jyothika
Suriya
Starring
CinematographyShreyaas Krishna
Edited byShafique Mohamed Ali
Music bySanthosh Narayanan
Production
companies
Distributed bysee below
Release date
  • 1 May 2025 (2025-05-01)
Running time
168 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹65 crore[2][3]
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The film was officially announced in March 2024 under the tentative title Suriya 44,[a] along with the subtitle Love, Laughter, War. The official 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 is scheduled to be released worldwide on 1 May 2025 in theatres in standard and EPIQ formats.

Cast

Production

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Development

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The film is the first collaboration of Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj.

While working on Mahaan in mid 2021, director Karthik Subbaraj had narrated a script to Suriya which impressed the actor. However, since the script required extensive pre-production and filming time, they decided to proceed with another script that also impressed him.[6][7][8] Although they had finalised to collaborate back then, both of their respective prior commitments delayed the collaboration.[9][10]

Two-and-a-half years later, on 28 March 2024, Subbaraj announced through his social media accounts that he would join hands with Suriya for his next directorial venture after Jigarthanda DoubleX (2023).[11][12] The project would be jointly funded by Subbaraj's Stone Bench Creations and Suriya's 2D Entertainment banner.[13] Suriya and Jyothika would be credited as producers, while Stone Bench's main producer Kaarthikeyan Santhanam would be credited as co-producer along with Rajsekar Pandian, the head of 2D Entertainment.[14][15]

The project was kept confidential by the makers until its announcement.[16][17] The film was made on a budget of ₹65 crore (US$7.6 million).[18][3] Tentatively titled Suriya 44 with the tagline Love, Laughter and War,[19] production was set to begin after the actor completed his film with Sudha Kongara which was then known as Suriya 43.[20][21] However, a few days later, it was reported that, since the start of Kongara's film would take a few more months,[22] they were planning to complete the shooting of the project in the meantime.[23][24] The film was touted to be as a gangster action drama film.[25][26][27] But Subbaraj later clarified that the film, set in 1990s,[28] is a romance film which also involves major action sequences.[29] The film's official title Retro was revealed on the occasion of Christmas (25 December 2024).[30]

Pre-production

"It was my long-time wish to make a proper love story. And when I got a chance to make one with Suriya and Pooja Hegde, I became so excited. It definitely involves a lot of action".

 – Karthik Subbaraj, in an interview[31]

Subbaraj had met Suriya prior to the shooting of Jigarthanda DoubleX and narrated a one-liner, which the latter requested to develop.[32][33] It took him several months for the writing and pre-production.[34] After the release of Jigarthanda DoubleX, Subbaraj narrated the entire script to the actor.[35] The dialogues for the Telugu and Hindi-dubbed versions were written by Hanumaan Choudary and Mohan Nair.[36][37] A casting call was announced by the makers in late April 2024.[38]

On the occasion of his birthday (15 May), Santhosh Narayanan was announced as the film's composer by the production house, in his eighth collaboration with the director.[39][40] Two weeks later, the team announced that Shreyaas Krishna would handle the cinematography, in his third collaboration with Subbaraj after Jagame Thandhiram (2021) and Mahaan (2022).[41][42] In addition to Shreyaas Krishna, the technical crew of art directors Jacki and Mayapandi, editor Shafique Mohamed Ali, stunt choreographer Kecha Khamphakdee and costume designer Praveen Raja were announced the same day.[43][44]

In May 2024, the team shot the promotional video for the film for nearly three days.[45][46] Prior to the commencement of the first schedule, the team had constructed a set at Port Blair located in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for filming an action sequence.[47][48]

Casting

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Pooja Hegde was cast to play the lead actress role, pairing opposite Suriya for the first time. Jayaram was also cast in an important role.

Suriya would sport two different looks for the film.[49] One with Fu Manchu moustache and mullet hair,[50][51] and the other in trimmed beard and mustache, with a shorter hairdo.[52] In mid-May, Pooja Hegde was reported to have been cast for the lead actress role, pairing opposite Suriya, in her first film with the latter and Subbaraj.[53][54] Her inclusion was confirmed on 1 June by the production house.[55][56] It is her third Tamil film after Mugamoodi (2012) and Beast (2022).[57] Hegde would reportedly receive ₹4 crore (US$470,000)–₹5 crore (US$580,000) as remuneration.[58][59] Speaking to Ananda Vikatan, Subbaraj revealed that he had cast Hegde after he was impressed by her performance in Radhe Shyam (2022).[60] Following her look test, she began learning Tamil for her role as the leading lady.[61]

Jayaram and Nassar were reported being part of the cast, with the former reportedly playing the main antagonist.[62] Jayaram was confirmed being part of the cast during his arrival for the film's shooting,[63] and the latter while joining the Ooty schedule.[64][65] Vidhu and Avinash Raghudevan joined the cast for important roles.[60] Karunakaran and Joju George were also cast to play prominent roles,[66] with the former marking his fourth collaboration with Subbaraj after Pizza (2012), Jigarthanda (2014) and Iraivi (2016),[67] and latter marking his second collaboration with director after Jagame Thandhiram.[68][69] Later it was reported that Prashanth and Prakash Raj would play important roles in the film,[70][71] with latter in his fourth collaboration with Suriya after Nerukku Ner (1997), Singam (2010) and Jai Bhim (2021).[72] Kalidas Jayaram was reportedly cast in for a role that would mark his second on-screen collaboration with father Jayaram after 12 years, after Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum (2003).[73][74] However Rajsekar Pandian, the co-producer of the film denied Prashanth and Kalidas' inclusion,[75] stating "Kalidas came on the last day shoot of Jayaram sir when the team cut a cake that has been misinterpreted."[76] Nandita Das would return to Tamil cinema after a gap of twelve years with this film.[77][78]

Singampuli confirmed that he is acting as Hegde's father in the film, marking his fourth collaboration with Suriya after Pithamagan, Perazhagan, and Maayavi, with the pair acting together for the first time.[79] Although the makers approached Kannada actor Dhananjaya for a role,[80] he could not sign the project due to scheduling conflicts.[81][82] Malayalam actor Sujith Shankar joined the cast on 22 June 2024.[83] Director Thamizh, Ramachandran Durairaj, Prem Kumar, Sandeep Raj and Remya Suresh joined cast for supporting roles.[84][85] Shriya Saran joined the production in August 2024.[86][87] She shot for a song ("Love Detox") alongside Suriya and others.[88][89]

Filming

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Port Blair, where parts of the film were shot.

Principal photography began with the first schedule on 2 June 2024 at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.[90][91] Suriya, Hegde and Jayaram arrived at the location the previous day.[92][93] Firstly, the team shot action sequences, choreographed by Kecha Khamphakdee, at a specially erected set.[94][95] A song shoot featuring Suriya and Hegde was also held in early June 2024.[96][97] Sujith Shankar joined the first schedule on 22 June 2024, while filming happening at Cellular Jail.[98][99] A dance number featuring Suriya and Hegde, choreographed by Sherif Master was completed in late-June 2024.[100][101] On 28 June, Joju George shared a video of himself on a boat in Andaman Island, revealing he joined the sets.[102][103] The first schedule ended on 4 July 2024 at Andaman.[104][105]

The second schedule began on 26 July at Ooty.[106][107] This schedule was reportedly held for 15–20 days, where the team had shot few scenes at the scenic backdrop in Nilgiris.[108][109] A dance number featuring the lead cast with numerous dancers was shot in late-July 2024 at Ooty.[110][111] Later it was reported that after ending the Ooty schedule, the team moved to Kanyakumari on 31 July, which turned to be false.[112][113] On 7 August, Suriya sustained a head injury on the sets,[114][115] while filming an action sequence at Nawanagar Palace, Ooty.[116][117] Although, Rajsekar Pandian tweeted that it was a minor injury,[118][119] Suriya took a break from filming for a few days for recovery,[120] which resulted in the filming being halted.[121][122] On 14 August, Suriya returned to the sets to resume shooting,[123] with several Russians and Afghans participating.[124][125] Shooting reportedly happened at three hotels in the particular schedule.[126] A song featuring Shriya Saran was shot in this schedule.[127][128] This schedule was completed on 17 August 2024,[129][130] with 70% of the film's shooting has been completed with this schedule.[131][132] By mid-August, Jayaram completed filming for his portions.[133][134]

A day later, on 19 August 2024, the next schedule was intended to begin at Idukki in Kerala for the two-day shoot;[135][136] but was delayed.[137][138] The schedule began with filming in Kaliyar area, Thodupuzha, at Idukki on 8 September 2024.[139][140] The Kerala schedule, which went on for two days, ended on 9 September with a night shoot.[141][142] The team erected a jail set in BSNL office in Chennai in mid-September for the Chennai schedule, which included a song ("Kannadi Poove") being intended to be shot.[143][144] Rehearsals for the song, choreographed by Sherif was done in later days.[145][146] The final schedule began in late-September in Chennai,[147][148] with Suriya shaving his beard and moustache for this schedule.[149][150] Hegde had completed shooting for her portions by 24 September.[151][152] This schedule, which took place for two weeks, was completed by 6 October 2024, resulting in the film's principal photography being wrapped.[153][154]

A 15-minutes long single shot sequence involving action, song ("Kanimaa") and drama scenes were also shot while filming.[155][156] The sequence in the title teaser featuring Suriya and Hegde was shot at night in Varanasi, where 100-200 clay oil lamps were used to create a twilight effect.[157][158] 80% of the film was reportedly shot on sets.[159]

Post-production

After filming was completed, the film entered into an extensive post-production phase.[160] Subbaraj revealed that he will spend more time for the film's post-production,[161][162] resulting in the film's release plans for Pongal (14 January 2025) being deferred.[163] Shafique Mohamed Ali renewed his association with Subbaraj after Jigarthanda Double X and handled the editing for the film.[164] The film's visual effects were done by Lorven Studios and was supervised by S. Hariharasuthan.[165] Suresh Ravi handled the colour grading, digital intermediate and previsualisation.[166] S. Alagiakoothan worked on sound design and Suren G. handled the sound recording, editing and mixing of the film.[167] Santhosh worked on the film's background score in November 2024.[168]

Joju George completed his dubbing by January 2025,[169] while Hegde had completed her dubbing the following month.[170] She dubbed for her own voice, the first time for a Tamil film.[171][172] The final phase of post-production began by March 2025.[173] Suriya completed dubbing for his portions in early-April 2025.[174][175]

The film's final edit was ready by mid-April 2025 and was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) that month.[176] On 17 April 2025, the film received a U/A certificate from the CBFC, with a finalised runtime of 168 minutes (2 hours, 48 minutes) after few words and excessive violent scenes were censored.[176][177]

Music

Main article: Retro (soundtrack)

The music and background score are composed by Santhosh Narayanan, in his first collaboration with Suriya and eighth with Subbaraj.[178][b] The audio rights of the film were bagged by T-Series.[179] The first single "Kannadi Poove" was released on 13 February 2025.[180][181] The second single titled "Kanimaa" was released on 21 March 2025.[182] The third single "The One" was released on 12 April 2025.[183] The film's audio launch—which aimed to promote the music—took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on 18 April 2025.[184]

The album was split into A-side and B-side, with the former consisting 6 tracks was released first on 18 April 2025.

Marketing

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The film's announcement poster released on 28 March 2024 became the most viewed announcement poster for an Indian film in 24 hours on Twitter.[185][186] On 2 June 2024, the makers unveiled the film's "first shot" video, but the title was not revealed.[187][188] It received a positive response and increased expectations for the film's title reveal.[189][190] Subsequently, the video was attached for theatrical screenings.[191] Later, after ten days of its original release, the video was released on YouTube.[192] Akhila Menon of OTTPlay noted "The one-of-a-kind video, which is a first-time attempt in Tamil cinema, featured leading man Suriya in a never-seen-before avatar."[193]

The film's title was to be unveiled on Suriya's birthday (23 July);[194][195] however, a special promo was released on the aforementioned date, with no title revealed,[196][197] but revealed that the title teaser is coming soon.[198] It became the most viewed promo in less than 20 hours of its release.[199] After receiving wider recognition,[200][201] the glimpse was attached for theatrical screenings.[202] On 22 November 2024, at the 55th International Film Festival of India, Karthik announced that promotions for the film would begin from the following month.[203]

The title of the film was revealed on the occasion of Christmas (25 December) along with a teaser.[204] It became the most watched Tamil title teaser in 24 hours with over 10 million views on YouTube.[205][206] DT Next commented: "The 136-second teaser gives a glimpse into the world of Retro, with a balance of blood shed action with romance. The video begins with Suriya having a conversation with Pooja Hedge, and hints that Joju George plays the father of the lead actor."[207] Bollywood Hungama said, "What stands out in the teaser is Pooja's ability to convey so much with just her eyes. There's a deep, unspoken emotion that speaks volumes, even without dialogue."[208] Suhas Sistu, writing for The Hans India, noted that "With powerful visuals, a gripping background score, and seamless editing, the teaser has garnered attention for its high production values."[209] Additionally, the title teaser managed to raise the already sky-high expectations for the film.[210] Inspired by the teaser, the film's composer Santhosh Narayanan had shot a promotional video with his father, to promote his concert tour at Rudolf Weber-Arena, Oberhausen, Germany in June 2025.[211][212] In February 2025, the teaser was attached to prints of Vidaamuyarchi in theatres.[213][214] After its positive response, the teaser for the Telugu and Hindi-dubbed versions were released on the YouTube channels of T-Series on 7 February 2025.[214][215][216]

In March 2025, when the song "Kanimaa" was unveiled, the hook step, choreographed by Sherif Master and performed by Suriya and Hegde in the music video, quickly went viral, adding to the song's popularity and becoming a social media sensation.[217][218] Many people have recreated the hook step (signature step) by recording their own dance performances to the song and sharing these videos across social media platforms.[219][220] The film team shot another version of the song with both Suriya and Hegde displaying joyful expressions and released it exclusively as a rehearsal video on 5 April.[221][222] Later, the makers confirmed that the video was not part of the film and was shot and released solely for fans.[223] The full song was played during the interval of Sachein re-release in theatres in April 2025.[224]

Tuney John handled the publicity design for Retro and the poster campaign was well received.[225][226] Outdoor promotions for the film began in early January 2025, four months prior to the theatrical release.[203] From February 2025, the makers began publishing a behind-the-scenes comic strip panel leading up to the film's release.[227][228][229] Exclusive stills from the film were released by Ananda Vikatan on 9 April.[230] As a part of the film's promotion, the marketing team designed the film's posters at the Southern Railways.[231] Later, Fully Filmy launched the official merchandise of Retro in April 2025.[232]

The film's official trailer was released on 18 April 2025 at the film's audio launch event, at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.[233][234] The trailer cut was done by Alphonse Puthren.[235][236] Praising the trailer Filmfare wrote, "The trailer showcases an intriguing blend of action, attitude, and atmosphere. Puthren's editing lends a sharp, almost rhythmic pulse to the visuals, matching the energy of Suriya's fiery character."[237]

To promote the film's Telugu version, a pre-release event was held on 26 April 2025 at JRC Convention, Hyderabad.[238] Naga Vamsi hosted the event, and Vijay Deverakonda was present at the event to promoting their film Kingdom (2025).[239]

Release

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Theatrical

Retro is scheduled to release theatrically on 1 May 2025, coinciding with International Workers' Day in standard and EPIQ formats.[240][241][242] Previously, the film was planned for release on the Pongal weekend but was postponed to the summer (April–June) of 2025,[243] as Subbaraj needed more time for post-production process.[163] The film's current release date was announced in January 2025.[244][245] Apart from the original Tamil language, it is scheduled to be released in the Telugu and Hindi languages.[246]

Distribution

Sakthi Film Factory acquired the distribution rights of the film in Tamil Nadu.[247] Sithara Entertainment acquired the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana rights.[248] Swagath Enterprises will release the film in Karnataka. Pen Studios acquired the theatrical rights for North India and West India under the Pen Marudhar Entertainment banner.[249][250] Vaika Merryland Release will distribute the film in Kerala.[251]

AP International handled the acquisition for the overseas theatrical distribution rights.[247][252] Home Screen Entertainment bought Singapore distribution rights of the film,[253] while Ahimsa Entertainment and Boleyn Cinema acquired the distribution rights for United Kingdom.[254] Prime Media acquired the distribution rights for the North America and will release in Tamil and Telugu languages.[255] DMY Creation will distribute the film in Malaysia.[256] Lokah Entertainments will distribute the film in Germany,[257] while Spacebox will distribute the film across Japan[258] and Night ED Films will distribute in France.[259]

Pre-bookings

Over 3200 tickets were sold in UK on the first day of pre-bookings with a collection of £25,000 (US$34,246.58).[260][261]

Home media

The film's digital rights for Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada versions are acquired by Netflix for a record price of ₹80 crore (US$9.3 million).[262][263] Additionally, the Hindi digital rights were sold for ₹25 crore (US$2.9 million).[264][265]

Notes

  1. Suriya's 44th film as the lead actor
  2. Santhosh Narayanan and Karthik Subbaraj previously collaborated on Pizza (2012), Jigarthanda (2014), Iraivi (2016), Mercury (2018), Jagame Thandhiram (2021), Mahaan (2022) and Jigarthanda DoubleX (2023).

References

External links

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