Retta Thala (2025) Movie Review: A Stylish Noir Thriller Caught Between Ambition and Execution
Released on the Christmas weekend of 2025, Retta Thala (translated as Two Heads) marks a significant return for actor Arun Vijay to the dual-role territory he previously navigated with success in Thadam. Directed by Kris Thirukumaran, known for Maan Karate, this action-thriller attempts to blend a gritty crime narrative with the high-gloss aesthetic of a contemporary neo-noir. While the film manages to leverage its lead actor’s physical prowess and intensity, it struggles under the weight of a disjointed screenplay and a reliance on stylistic tropes that occasionally overshadow its emotional core.
Film Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Release Date | December 25, 2025 |
| Director | Kris Thirukumaran |
| Cast | Arun Vijay, Siddhi Idnani, Tanya Ravichandran, Yogesh Samy, John Vijay |
| Genre | Action / Thriller / Crime Noir |
| Runtime | 113 Minutes |
| Music | Sam C.S. |
| Cinematography | Tijo Tomy |
| Production | BTG Universal |
Full Plot Synopsis
The story follows Kaali (Arun Vijay), a struggling orphan living on the streets of Pondicherry. His only anchor in a desolate life is Anthre (Siddhi Idnani), a waitress with aspirations that far outstrip their current reality. Anthre is weary of their cyclic poverty and dreams of escaping to France—a goal she believes requires a financial miracle.
The inciting incident occurs when Kaali crosses paths with his exact lookalike, Malpe Upendra, a wealthy, cold-blooded hitman from Goa. The contrast is stark: Kaali is motivated by love and desperation, while Upendra is fueled by power and a ruthless moral code. Sensing an opportunity to claim the life they never had, Anthre persuades a hesitant Kaali to kill Upendra and assume his identity.
What follows is a messy descent into the Goan underworld. As Kaali steps into Upendra’s designer shoes and palatial estate, he realizes the “Millionaire” lifestyle comes with a price—namely, a long list of enemies and a corrupt police force led by the eccentric Thiraviyam (John Vijay). The narrative shifts into a cat-and-mouse game where Kaali must navigate Upendra’s criminal legacy while keeping his true identity a secret from a menacing mob boss (played by Yogesh Samy). As the lines between the two men blur, Kaali begins to question if he has merely traded one form of hell for another.
Detailed Critique
Direction and Screenplay
Kris Thirukumaran attempts to pivot from his previous commercial successes toward a darker, more “international” style of filmmaking. The film is undeniably sleek, utilizing the vibrant backdrops of Goa and the serene streets of Pondicherry to create a visual dichotomy. However, the screenplay—also penned by Thirukumaran—suffers from pacing issues. The first half spends an inordinate amount of time on exposition and flashbacks that, while visually interesting, stall the momentum. The use of experimental “AI-inspired” visual sequences for backstories has proven polarizing, with critics noting they often feel tonally inconsistent with the “real-world” grit of the film.
Performances
Arun Vijay is the undisputed anchor of Retta Thala. He delivers a physically demanding performance, differentiating the two characters through subtle changes in body language and temperament rather than relying solely on makeup. His portrayal of Kaali’s vulnerability is particularly effective, though the script occasionally limits him to “standard action hero” archetypes in the second half.
Siddhi Idnani breaks the “flowerpot” heroine mold with a character driven by pragmatism and greed. Anthre is arguably the most complex character in the film; her love for Kaali is real, yet her willingness to push him into murder for financial gain adds a layer of moral ambiguity rarely seen in mainstream Tamil cinema. John Vijay provides his signature brand of quirky villainy, though his performance as a perverted cop has been criticized for being repetitive and occasionally grating.
Visuals and Sound
The technical aspects are where Retta Thala truly shines. Tijo Tomy’s cinematography is polished, utilizing a high-contrast color palette that enhances the “noir” feel. The action choreography by Anbariv is sharp and inventive, particularly a pre-climax sequence involving a high-speed chase through the narrow lanes of Goa.
Sam C.S. delivers a thunderous background score that elevates the tension during the film’s more stagnant moments. The standout track, “Kannamma”, voiced by Dhanush, serves as the emotional heartbeat of the film, providing a much-needed connection to the characters’ past.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
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Arun Vijay’s Dual Performance: His commitment to the physical and emotional demands of both roles is commendable.
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Technical Polish: The cinematography and sound design give the film a high-budget, “Hollywood-style” feel.
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Subversion of Tropes: The female lead is given agency and a gray moral compass, moving away from traditional romantic cliches.
Weaknesses
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Script Fragmentation: The narrative feels like a series of disjointed scenes rather than a fluid story.
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Lack of Depth: Despite the “noir” tag, the film often chooses style over substance, failing to dive deep into the characters’ psychological motivations.
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Baffling Visual Choices: The inclusion of dated-looking AI-generated sequences for flashbacks has been widely panned as a creative misstep.
Final Verdict
Retta Thala is a testament to Arun Vijay’s growth as a leading man in the action-thriller genre. It is a film that aspires for greatness through its visual flair and ambitious premise but is ultimately held back by a screenplay that lacks “flow.” For fans of high-octane action and slick production, it offers enough entertainment to justify a theatrical watch. However, those seeking a tight, logically sound crime drama may find the “Double Heads” of this story a bit too scattered.
Final Rating: 2.75 / 5