Pooja Hegde marks one year of 'Retro': Storm, ligament tear, island snakes
Synopsis
One year after its theatrical release, Pooja Hegde reflected on Retro's chaotic production—ligament tear, boat fire, storms, snakes—yet credited the creative environment and director Karthik Subbaraj's leadership for turning potential disaster into a labour of love. Her next outing, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, releases 5 June under David Dhawan's direction.
Key Takeaways
Pooja Hegde marked one year of Retro on Friday, May 1 , sharing behind-the-scenes production footage.
The shoot faced multiple hazards: ligament tear , boat fire , heavy storms, and an island full of snakes.
Despite setbacks, Hegde credited director Karthik Subbaraj and the collaborative team for maintaining "good vibes" and artistic focus.
Retro stars Suriya as the lead opposite Hegde's character Rukmini .
Hegde's next film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai , releases 5 June , directed by David Dhawan .
Actress Pooja Hegde on Friday reflected on the tumultuous yet rewarding production journey of the romantic action film Retro, which completed one year in cinemas. Despite facing a ligament tear, a boat fire, heavy storms, and an island populated with snakes during filming, the actress credited the collaborative spirit on set for transforming potential chaos into a creatively fulfilling experience.
Hegde shared a retrospective album of behind-the-scenes videos and photographs from the shoot, documenting both the hazards and the camaraderie that defined the making of director Karthik Subbaraj's film alongside lead actor Suriya.
Production challenges overcome
The actress posted a candid caption describing the ordeal: "One year of RETRO Storms, a ligament tear, endless mud, our boat catching fire (Suhas, forever a hero), and an island full of snakes…By all accounts, it should've been chaos. But it wasn't." The footage revealed glimpses of her character Rukmini amid the production's physical and environmental obstacles.
The creative environment
Despite the setbacks, Hegde emphasised that the set was defined by "peace, good vibes, a whole lot of laughter and a feeling of making something purely for the love of it." She credited director Subbaraj for fostering an atmosphere where "even the toughest days feel easy" when collaborating with the right team and prioritising artistic integrity over commercial pressures.
The film's narrative
Retro follows Paarivel "Paari" Kannan, an orphan raised by a gangster who navigates betrayal and violent cults while searching for his true origins and reuniting with his lost love, Rukmini. The film's success marks a significant milestone for both Hegde and Suriya in their respective filmographies.
What's next for Hegde
The actress is now preparing for the release of her next project, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, scheduled for 5 June. Directed by David Dhawan, the film reportedly tells the story of a man repeatedly rejected in romance who receives divine intervention, transforming his perspective on relationships. The title is believed to reference the iconic song from Dhawan's 1992 hit Biwi No. 1, which starred Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen.
Point of View
Equipment failure, weather disasters—yet the final product rarely acknowledges the human toll or near-misses. Her emphasis on 'good vibes' and 'love of cinema' is heartfelt but also emblematic of an industry culture that romanticises adversity rather than addressing safety and insurance gaps. The fact that a boat fire and a ligament tear are treated as anecdotes rather than systemic failures worth examining speaks volumes about how Hindi cinema normalises risk.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What production challenges did Pooja Hegde face while filming Retro?
Hegde sustained a ligament tear, the film's boat caught fire, the crew endured heavy storms, and the island location was populated with snakes. Despite these obstacles, she credited the collaborative team environment for maintaining creative momentum.
Who directed Retro and who starred alongside Pooja Hegde?
Retro was directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starred Suriya as the lead opposite Hegde's character Rukmini, an orphan's lost love in a romantic action narrative.
When is Pooja Hegde's next film releasing?
Pooja Hegde's next film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, is scheduled to release on 5 June. The film is directed by David Dhawan and reportedly centres on a man repeatedly rejected in romance.
What is the inspiration behind the title 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'?
The title is believed to reference the iconic song from David Dhawan's 1992 film Biwi No. 1, which starred Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen.
