Retta Thala (2025) Movie Review: Arun Vijay’s Dual-Role Actioner is a Stylistic Noir Experiment
The Christmas season of 2025 saw the release of Retta Thala (Two Heads), a high-stakes Tamil action thriller that marks another significant milestone in actor Arun Vijay’s career.1 Directed by Kris Thirukumaran, known for the commercial success Maan Karate, the film attempts to marry the gritty sensibilities of international neo-noir with the “mass” appeal of South Indian cinema.2 Featuring shifting identities, a dark underworld backdrop, and a narrative built on the consequences of human desire, the film provides a visually arresting experience that has sparked intense debate regarding its narrative depth and stylistic choices.3
Film Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Title | Retta Thala (Two-Headed) |
| Release Date | December 25, 2025 |
| Director | Kris Thirukumaran |
| Lead Cast | Arun Vijay, Siddhi Idnani, Tanya Ravichandran |
| Antagonist | Yogesh (Yogi Samy) |
| Genre | Action / Thriller / Crime Noir |
| Runtime | 113 Minutes |
| Music Composer | Sam C.S. |
| Cinematography | Tijo Tomy |
Full Plot Synopsis
The story of Retta Thala is primarily viewed through the lens of Kaali (Arun Vijay), a man living on the margins of society in Pondicherry.4 Haunted by a troubled childhood, Kaali’s only motivation is his deep-seated affection for Anthre (Siddhi Idnani), an ambitious woman who feels suffocated by their shared poverty.5 Anthre dreams of a life in France, a goal she views as unattainable through honest labor.6
The narrative takes a sharp turn when Kaali encounters his physical doppelgänger, Malpe Upendra, a cold and immensely wealthy hitman operating out of Goa.7 Seeing an opportunity to escape their dire circumstances, Anthre manipulates a hesitant Kaali into a dangerous scheme: eliminate Upendra and assume his identity to claim his fortune.8
Kaali successfully infiltrates Upendra’s world, but he soon realizes that the hitman’s life is a gilded cage.9 He inherited not just Upendra’s wealth, but also his lethal enemies and a corrupt network of police officers, led by the lecherous Thiraviyam (John Vijay). As the protagonist struggles to maintain the charade, the plot unravels into a psychological cat-and-mouse game.10 The lines between the “hero” and the “villain” begin to blur, culminating in a series of betrayals that force Kaali to confront the reality that his pursuit of wealth has cost him his own identity.
Detailed Critique
Direction and Screenplay
Director Kris Thirukumaran takes a bold step away from his previous lighthearted ventures, opting for a brooding, atmospheric tone. The film’s structure is non-linear, utilizing flashbacks to flesh out the relationship between Kaali and Anthre.11 While the ambition is clear, the screenplay occasionally falters in its pacing. The first half is meticulously built, but the second half leans heavily on action set-pieces that sometimes distract from the character-driven drama established early on.12 Critics have noted that while the film is “stylish,” it often sacrifices logical flow for visual impact.13
Performances
Arun Vijay carries the film with a dual performance that highlights his versatility.14 As Kaali, he projects vulnerability and desperation, while his portrayal of Malpe Upendra is characterized by a chilling, detached intensity. His physical preparation for the roles is evident, and he manages to distinguish the two characters through body language and vocal shifts rather than just costume changes.
Siddhi Idnani delivers a standout performance as Anthre.15 She successfully avoids the trope of the passive romantic interest, instead playing a morally gray character whose pragmatism drives the plot.16 Her chemistry with Arun Vijay is palpable, adding emotional weight to the film’s tragic undertones. Yogesh (Yogi Samy), making his Tamil debut as the antagonist, brings a fresh energy to the film, though his screen time is somewhat limited.17
Visuals and Sound
The technical craftsmanship is the film’s strongest suit. Tijo Tomy’s cinematography uses a high-contrast, moody palette that emphasizes the “noir” aesthetic, effectively capturing the duality of the sunny beaches and dark alleyways of Goa.18
Sam C.S. provides a thunderous background score that heightens the tension of the film’s many action sequences.19 The song “Kannamma”, performed by Dhanush, serves as a melodic anchor, offering a rare moment of sentimentality in an otherwise bleak narrative.20 The editing by Anthony (Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalvez) keeps the 113-minute runtime feeling brisk, though some transitions between timelines feel abrupt.21
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
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Dual-Role Execution: Arun Vijay’s ability to anchor two distinct personalities prevents the “lookalike” trope from feeling gimmicky.22
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Aesthetic Quality: The high production values and neo-noir cinematography give the film an international appeal.
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Complex Heroine: The characterization of Anthre adds a layer of realism to the story’s conflict between love and greed.23
Weaknesses
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Narrative Fragmentation: The script suffers from “connectivity issues,” where scenes often feel like isolated events rather than a cohesive whole.24
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Stylistic Excess: Certain visual choices, particularly the experimental “AI-inspired” sequences for backstories, have been criticized as distracting.
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Underwritten Villains: While the lead performances are strong, the supporting antagonists occasionally fall into stereotypical patterns.
Final Verdict
Retta Thala is a commendable effort to push the boundaries of the Tamil action-thriller. It succeeds as a showcase for Arun Vijay’s screen presence and the technical prowess of its crew.25 While it may not reach the narrative heights of contemporary classics in the genre, its willingness to explore themes of moral decay and identity through a stylish lens makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
Final Rating: 3 / 5