Karthik Subbaraj’s ‘Retro’ Gears Up for May 1 Release; Trailer Cut by Alphonse Puthren Creates Buzz
Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj’s latest venture Retro, starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, releases May 1. Its trailer, edited by Alphonse Puthren, dropped today and is making waves.
Key Highlights:
Karthik Subbaraj is back in the limelight with his much-anticipated film Retro, which is slated for a May 1, 2025 release. Featuring Suriya and Pooja Hegde in lead roles, the film has just received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and is officially locked for theatrical distribution.
The film’s trailer, released on April 18, has already started trending, thanks in part to its unique edit by acclaimed filmmaker Alphonse Puthren, known for cult hits like Premam.
Retro Trailer: A Wild Nostalgic Ride, Cut by Alphonse Puthren
Karthik Subbaraj took to social media to announce the trailer release, sharing:
“Trailer for #TheOne cut by The Wild One!! Thank you My Dear Friend @puthrenalphonse 🤗🤗 Felt so happy getting #Retrofied on our Naalaya Iyakkunar Days…❤️”
The trailer blends romance, comedy, and stylized action, with a retro aesthetic that mirrors the film’s title. Suriya appears in dual shades—intense and playful—while Pooja Hegde’s presence adds emotional depth. The punchy editing and offbeat rhythm have drawn comparisons to Premam’s fresh narrative style.
Film Details: Love, Laughter, War – The Retro Mix
‘Retro’ is tagged with the subtitle “Love, Laughter, War”, hinting at a genre-blending narrative. Shot across scenic locales like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ooty, Kerala, and Chennai, the film promises a visual and thematic spectrum rarely attempted in recent Tamil cinema.
Key technical crew:
- Music: Santhosh Narayanan
- Cinematography: Shreyaas Krishna
- Editor: Shafique Mohamed Ali
- Runtime: 168 minutes
- Production: 2D Entertainment & Stone Bench Films
The film has reportedly undergone minor censor cuts, primarily to tone down violent sequences, ensuring a U/A certification.
Fan Anticipation Soars for Karthik Subbaraj-Suriya Combo
This is Karthik Subbaraj’s first collaboration with Suriya, and fans of both talents are thrilled. Known for films like Jigarthanda and Mahaan, Subbaraj’s ability to balance quirky storytelling with mass appeal makes this project one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of 2025.
Fans are especially excited about the director returning to his creative roots, reminiscent of his Naalaya Iyakkunar short-film competition days.
Retro’s Trailer Reception and Social Buzz
Since its drop, the Retro trailer has garnered over 4 million views on YouTube within 24 hours and is trending across social media. Hashtags like #RetroTrailer, #KarthikSubbaraj, and #SuriyaInRetro have been circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Early audience reactions praise:
- The nostalgic tone and use of color palettes
- Santhosh Narayanan’s experimental score
- Suriya’s mass+class avatar
- Alphonse Puthren’s editing touches
Retro Ready to Kickstart May Box Office
With an attractive May 1 release date, falling just ahead of summer holidays, Retro is well-positioned to kick off the Tamil summer box office season. Trade analysts expect strong opening numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and overseas Tamil hubs.
Distributors are betting on a mass-class crossover appeal, similar to Karthik Subbaraj’s Petta, which blended mainstream energy with directorial flair.
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