Suriya and Pooja Hegde’s upcoming film Retro is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2025. Slated for a grand theatrical release on May 1, the film has already stirred major excitement among fans. But a recent revelation by director Karthik Subbaraj has added an unexpected twist to the film’s backstory.
In a conversation with Galatta, Subbaraj clarified that Retro was never intended for Thalapathy Vijay, as rumors suggested. Instead, the original script was crafted for Superstar Rajinikanth, with a storyline heavily rooted in the action genre, reflecting the larger-than-life image of the iconic actor. However, when the film eventually landed with Suriya, the narrative took a dramatic turn. The story evolved into a romantic drama, allowing for a deeper emotional arc while retaining the intensity of its core themes.
Subbaraj shared an interesting anecdote about Suriya’s reaction upon hearing the script. The actor directly asked if the story had initially been pitched to Rajinikanth, indicating how strongly the original tone aligned with the superstar’s persona. “I wrote this script keeping in mind Thalaivar. Initially, it was more in the action zone to suit Thalaivar’s image. After narrating it to Suriya sir, it was changed to a love story,” Subbaraj explained.
Set against a nostalgic backdrop, Retro tells the story of Parivel Kannan, a man on a heartfelt mission to find his long-lost love, Rukmini. The film features a powerful ensemble cast including Karunakaran, Nassar, Prakash Raj, Joju George, and a special cameo by Shriya Saran. Originally titled Suriya 44, the film’s transformation and star power have only added to the buzz surrounding its release.
With high expectations riding on its shoulders and a fresh spin on a script once designed for Rajinikanth, Retro is poised to offer audiences a unique blend of nostalgia, romance, and drama.
