‘Retro’ first review out: British Board tags Suriya's action thriller with grit and intensity

Suriya’s highly anticipated action film 'Retro', directed by Karthik Subbaraj, has received its first international review from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). As the Tamil-language film gears up for a global release, including the UK, the BBFC has officially classified Retro under the 15 rating, citing “strong bloody violence,” “language,” and “threat” as core content elements. This early review has added fuel to the buzz surrounding Suriya’s much-awaited return to intense, stylized action.
A glimpse into the plot
Along with the rating, the BBFC also shared a brief synopsis of the storyline, revealing key plot details. According to their description, 'Retro' revolves around “a former gangster who once swore to give up his violent ways but must break his vow to defeat his enemies and protect his estranged wife.” This compact summary hints at an emotional and action-packed narrative where Suriya plays a layered character navigating the conflict between past loyalty and present threats.
Star-studded cast and creative powerhouse behind the scenes
While Suriya leads the film in a completely transformed retro-inspired look, the cast also features Pooja Hegde as the female lead. Accompanying them are Jayaram, Joju George, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Karunakaran, and Swasika, among others. Directed and written by Karthik Subbaraj, 'Retro' has music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, which is expected to add further edge and emotional depth to the narrative.

Clash at the box office but camaraderie off-screen
'Retro' is set for a theatrical release alongside 'HIT: The Third Case,' starring Nani and directed by Sailesh Kolanu on May 1, and both films prepare for a wide release. Despite the direct clash, both production teams have expressed mutual respect and positive wishes, making the competition a healthy one for fans of Indian cinema.
See more: Retro Movie Review & Release Live update