The recently unveiled teaser for Suriya 44, now titled Retro, has sparked a surprising online debate. While the film, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, has generated significant excitement, especially with its high-octane action and retro aesthetic, one particular detail in the teaser has caught the attention of fans—its villain. The character, who appears to be dressed in a vibrant, flashy outfit and poses in a throne-like chair, bears a striking resemblance to Allu Arjun’s character from Pushpa 2. The comparison is so uncanny that some fans are wondering: is this a playful dig at Pushpa 2?
The teaser shows the villain in a look reminiscent of Allu Arjun’s iconic style in Pushpa 2, complete with bold, colorful clothing and an almost regal, over-the-top demeanor. The most notable similarity is the throne-like chair—while Allu Arjun's character in Pushpa 2 is associated with a grand, almost imperial chair, the Retro villain is seated on a much simpler, wooden throne. This subtle difference has led many to speculate that it could be a cheeky reference to the Pushpa franchise, especially given that Pushpa centers around the smuggling of red sandalwood, and the villain in Retro might also be linked to some illicit activity.
While it’s too early to confirm whether the resemblance is intentional or just coincidental, the teaser’s bold visual choices have added fuel to the fire. Fans of Pushpa 2 are not taking kindly to the comparison, while others see it as a clever bit of cinematic self-awareness. Regardless of the speculation, one thing is clear: Retro has certainly grabbed attention with its teaser, and it’s already making waves before its official release.
Retro is produced by Stone Bench Films and 2D Entertainment, with a star-studded cast that includes Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Joju George, Karunakaran, Nassar, Prakash Raj, and more. With Karthik Subbaraj at the helm, the film promises to be a thrilling action ride with a unique blend of retro flair and intense drama. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the story unfolds when Retro hits screens in Summer 2025.