Director Karthik Subbaraj has made a strong statement following the mixed online reception to his latest film Retro, starring Suriya. In a recent interview, he revealed, “I’ve decided not to read online reviews anymore.”

Retro, which hit theatres on May 1, has been largely well-received by audiences and many media outlets, praised for its blend of romance, comedy, and action—hallmarks of a mass commercial entertainer. According to trade analysts, the film raked in ₹46 crore worldwide on its opening day and continues to perform well at the box office.

Despite the commercial success and positive audience response, a handful of online critics offered negative reviews. Addressing this, Karthik Subbaraj said, “What I’ve learned from Retro is to stop reading online reviews. When you go to the theatre, you can feel the audience’s joy. But some people post harsh reviews online just to ruin that happiness. So, I’ve made up my mind not to look at them anymore.”

His candid remarks have sparked discussion in the film community and among fans, with many supporting his stance on protecting creative morale from online negativity.