KKN Gurugram Desk | After delivering an impressive opening, Tamil action-drama Retro, starring Suriya in the lead, saw a slight dip in its domestic earnings on its second day but remained strong overall. The film, which hit theatres on May 1, 2025, has now collected a total of ₹26.75 crore at the Indian box office within two days.

Retro vs Raid 2: A Box Office Clash in Real Time

On its opening day, Retro clashed head-on with Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, which had a strong pre-release buzz. Surprisingly, Suriya’s Retro managed to match the Hindi-language sequel, collecting ₹19.25 crore on Day 1, going toe-to-toe with Raid 2’s figures.

However, on Day 2, Retro witnessed a decline in momentum, grossing ₹7.50 crore, while Raid 2 maintained stronger hold, reportedly crossing ₹11 crore on Friday.

Cumulative Box Office Report so far:

• Retro (2 Days): ₹26.75 crore

• Raid 2 (2 Days): Approx. ₹30 crore+

Strong Start Driven by Star Power and Audience Curiosity

Retro has benefited from:

• The star appeal of Suriya, who has a massive fan following across South India.

• The reputation of director Karthik Subbaraj, known for helming critically acclaimed projects.

• Early positive reviews, with many critics praising the film’s storytelling, visual style, and Suriya’s intense performance.

The film holds a current IMDb rating of 8.7, reflecting strong word-of-mouth.

Plot Overview: A Gangster’s Attempt to Reclaim Peace

Retro is a romantic action-drama that follows the life of Kannan, a feared gangster played by Suriya, who tries to leave his violent past behind to lead a peaceful life with his wife Rukkhmani, portrayed by Pooja Hegde. However, fate pulls him back into the criminal world, leading to an emotional yet high-octane narrative.

Key Cast:

• Suriya as Kannan (Pāri)

• Pooja Hegde as Rukkhmani

• Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Shruti Sarhan, and Nasser in pivotal roles

Director & Writer: Karthik Subbaraj

Day-Wise Domestic Box Office Collection (India)

(Source: Early trade estimates via industry tracker Sacnilk)

Can Retro Gain Momentum Over the Weekend?

The real test for Retro begins now, with Saturday and Sunday collections expected to determine whether the film becomes a commercial blockbuster or just a strong performer.

Factors in Retro’s Favor:

• Positive word-of-mouth

• Suriya’s loyal fan base

• Limited major regional competition

Challenges Ahead:

• Raid 2’s continuing stronghold in North India

• Potential drop in footfalls in Tier-2 cities

Audience Reaction: Mass Appeal with Emotional Depth

Viewers have praised:

• Suriya’s performance, calling it one of his most nuanced roles in recent years

• The cinematography and stylized action

• The balance between emotion and action, a trademark of Karthik Subbaraj’s films

However, some critics noted the pacing in the second half could have been tighter.

Retro vs Suriya’s Previous Films: A Recovery After Kanguva

Suriya’s last major release, Kanguva, underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews. Retro seems to have revived the actor’s box office standing, at least in the initial phase.

Comparative Opening Day Figures:

• Kanguva: ₹12.5 crore (Day 1)

• Retro: ₹19.25 crore (Day 1)

This marks a significant career upswing for the actor in 2025.

Trade Analyst View: What Lies Ahead for Retro

Film analyst Ramesh Bala tweeted:

“#Retro has the content and performance backing to grow over the weekend. If Sunday shows a rise, we’re looking at a ₹50 crore weekend finish.”

Analysts believe that if Retro can cross ₹45–50 crore by Sunday, it may emerge as one of the top-grossing Tamil films of Q2 2025.

Box Office Projections for the Weekend

This is contingent on screen retention, show timings, and repeat audiences.

Retro’s Position in Pan-India Film Landscape

While Retro has performed well in Tamil Nadu and select South Indian circuits, its Hindi dubbed version has seen moderate traction, largely due to clashing with Raid 2.

Internationally, the film has opened decently in:

• UAE

• Malaysia

• Singapore

• USA (limited screens)

Overseas figures will be updated after weekend numbers.

Retro has made a strong impact in its first two days, showing that with the right mix of storytelling, star power, and directorial craft, a regional film can compete head-on with big Bollywood releases.

The next 48 hours will decide if Retro can maintain momentum and become Suriya’s next box office success, or whether it settles into being a critical darling with average commercial numbers.