Retro Box Office Collection Day 1: Suriya’s latest film Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, has kicked off with a bang at the box office, collecting a solid Rs 19.25 crore nett across India on its opening day, Thursday, May 1, 2025, according to early estimates by Sacnilk.
The stylish collaboration between Suriya and Subbaraj was one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of the year, and the first-day numbers reflect the pre-release buzz. The Tamil version alone pulled in Rs 17.25 crore, while the Telugu and Hindi versions contributed Rs 1.95 crore and Rs 5 lakhs respectively.
High Occupancy in Tamil Nadu
Retro saw massive footfalls across Tamil Nadu, with an overall Tamil occupancy rate of 78.89%. Cities like Chennai (87.25%), Coimbatore (85.50%), and Madurai (79.25%) reported near full-house shows, particularly in the afternoon and evening slots. Bengaluru also recorded strong numbers with a 64.25% occupancy for Tamil shows.
However, the film’s performance in Telugu and Hindi markets was comparatively modest. The Telugu version recorded 39.03% occupancy, while the Hindi version trailed with just 8.55%, indicating regional dominance in the South.
Mixed Reviews Could Impact Momentum
While Retro has had a stellar start, sustaining its momentum remains to be seen. Initial reviews are mixed, which could impact box office performance in the coming days. A review by ETimes notes, “Karthik Subbaraj manages to make us overlook all these reservations with sheer filmmaking flair,” highlighting a standout 15-minute single-shot sequence and an action scene in a bioluminescent sea, praising both the direction and Suriya’s screen presence.
The film also stars Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Jayaram, Nassar, and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles.
The coming weekend will be crucial in determining whether Retro can maintain its pace and become one of the biggest hits of the year for Suriya.