A Clash of Titans: Suriya vs Nani at the Box Office
Two powerhouse performers, two high-stakes films, and one weekend box office battle — that’s the scene cinema fans witnessed recently as Suriya’s Retro clashed with Nani’s HIT 3. Both films generated high pre-release buzz, offered star-driven content, and were backed by loyal fan bases. But once the curtains rose, one film sprinted ahead in box office numbers and audience reception.
Let’s break down what happened, why “Retro” surged ahead, and how both films fared in detail.
Opening Day Performance
Retro had a thunderous start, earning approximately ₹20 crore on its opening day across India. With strong advance bookings and massive anticipation, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the film dominated theatres on Day 1. It recorded an impressive 79% occupancy in many regions, especially urban multiplexes and major cinema chains.
On the other hand, HIT 3 opened to a slightly more modest ₹18 crore. While this is a strong start for a crime thriller in the HIT franchise, it was visibly overshadowed by the action-packed aura of “Retro.”
Genre Appeal and Star Power
Retro is a stylish action drama, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, blending retro aesthetics with high-octane action and a modern political twist. Suriya’s intense performance, charismatic screen presence, and the novelty of the film’s tone resonated strongly with audiences. His fanbase showed up in droves, boosting the film’s momentum.
HIT 3, on the other hand, continues the investigative tone of the HIT universe. While Nani delivered a solid performance as SP Arjun Sarkaar, and the story offered suspenseful layers, the film followed a darker, more psychological route — which tends to attract a slightly more niche audience compared to broad-appeal action dramas.
Regional Dominance
“Retro” ruled in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with strong ticket sales and word-of-mouth pushing it further over the weekend. Its retro visuals, stylized action sequences, and whistle-worthy moments connected well with the audience.
“HIT 3” maintained a steady presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, particularly among fans of the franchise. However, it faced challenges due to simultaneous release competition and a more complex narrative structure, which didn’t appeal as universally as “Retro.”
Audience Reception
Initial viewer feedback suggests:
Retro:
- Praised for its visual flair, engaging screenplay, and Suriya’s magnetic performance.
- Viewers loved the nostalgic blend of retro music, set design, and action-packed storytelling.
- High repeat value noted in urban centres.
HIT 3:
- Appreciated for intelligent writing and gripping investigations.
- Some viewers found it too intense or slow-paced, especially those unfamiliar with previous HIT installments.
- Strong critical acclaim, but a narrower target audience.
Weekend Box Office Momentum
By the end of its first weekend, Retro pulled ahead with an estimated ₹50+ crore, while HIT 3 lagged behind with a little over ₹35 crore. The gap widened due to Retro’s mass-market pull, broader language accessibility, and commercial tone.
Final Verdict: Retro Takes the Lead
While both films are successes in their own right, Retro emerged as the clear box office winner during its opening weekend. Its combination of mass appeal, Suriya’s stardom, and commercial entertainment gave it a significant edge.
HIT 3 may see sustained interest from fans of the thriller genre and followers of the HIT Universe, especially if word-of-mouth strengthens in the coming weeks. But in this direct face-off, Retro takes the victory lap.
What’s Next?
- Retro is poised to continue its strong run and may even enter the ₹100 crore club if momentum holds.
- HIT 3 could still pick up pace, especially if franchise developments like HIT 4 announcements sustain interest.
Both films demonstrate the rising standard of South Indian cinema in terms of scale, storytelling, and box office clout. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane action or layered psychological thrillers, Indian cinema has something exceptional to offer right now.