Kanimaa

Santhosh Narayanan composed the song for the Retro album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/15-minute-single-shot-how-the-kanimaa-song-came-to-be-in-the-movie-retro-765795|title=15 நிமிட சிங்கிள் ஷாட் - RETRO படத்தில் கனிமா பாடல் உருவான விதம் | 15 Minute Single Shot - How the Kanimaa song came to be in the movie RETRO|first=மாலை|last=மலர்|date=24 March 2025|website=www.maalaimalar.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324133555/https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/15-minute-single-shot-how-the-kanimaa-song-came-to-be-in-the-movie-retro-765795|url-status=live}} This marked his first collaboration with Suriya and eighth with Karthik Subbaraj, director of the film.{{Cite web |last=Nasreen |first=Raisa |date=16 May 2024 |title=Music Composer Santhosh Narayanan Joins Suriya 44 |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/santhosh-narayanan-onboard-suriya-44-article-110163988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520165615/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/santhosh-narayanan-onboard-suriya-44-article-110163988 |archive-date=20 May 2024 |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en}}{{Efn|Santhosh Narayanan and Karthik Subbaraj previously collaborated on Pizza (2012), Jigarthanda (2014), Iraivi (2016), Mercury (2018), Jagame Thandhiram (2021), Mahaan (2022) and Jigarthanda DoubleX (2023).}} Lyricist Vivek wrote the lyrics for the song.{{Cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/south-cinema/retro-movie-new-song-kannima-out-now-starring-suriya-pooja-hegde-2025-03-21|title=Retro: सूर्या के फैंस को मेकर्स ने दिया बड़ा तोहफा, दमदार डांस और उर्जा से भरपूर 'रेट्रो' का दूसरा गाना रिलीज|website=Amar Ujala|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=7 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407104143/https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/south-cinema/retro-movie-new-song-kannima-out-now-starring-suriya-pooja-hegde-2025-03-21|url-status=live}}

The song was recorded by Santhosh Narayanan at Future Tense Studios, Chennai.{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/actor-suriya-movie-retro-lyrical-video-out-now-sth2df|title=നിറഞ്ഞാടി സൂര്യ, ഒപ്പം പൂജ ഹെഗ്‍ഡെയും; റെട്രോയിലെ 90's കല്യാണ കുത്ത് സോം ഗ് എത്തി|website=Asianet News Malayalam|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323093509/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/actor-suriya-movie-retro-lyrical-video-out-now-sth2df|url-status=live}} The song had the chorus by The Indian Choral Ensemble (Chamber), Aparna Harikumar, Nidhi Saraogi, Sushmita Narasimhan, Sreekanth Hariharan, Shridhar Ramesh, and Karthik Manickavasakam.https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/southcinema/kanima-a-high-energy-dance-number-from-suriya-s-retro-boosts-the-buzz/ar-AA1BnVJb{{Cite web|url=https://www.reporterlive.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2025/03/21/suriya-film-retro-new-song-out-now|title=പഴയ നടിപ്പിൻ നായകനിലേക്കുള്ള തിരിച്ചുപോക്കാകുമോ റെട്രോ? ആടിത്തിമിർക്കാൻ സിനിമയിലെ പുതിയ ഗാനം|website=ReporterNews}}

The song was conceptualized through casual conversations between Subbaraj, Santhosh, and Vivek.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ntnews.com/cinema/suriya-retro-kanimaa-telugu-song-out-1927687|title=Kanima Song | సూర్య రెట్రో నుంచి 'కనిమా' సాంగ్ రిలీజ్|first=NT News|last=telugu|date=22 March 2025|website=www.ntnews.com}} It features a 1990s-style "kalyana kuthu" (wedding folk) rhythm, aiming to evoke nostalgia for traditional wedding songs.https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/southcinema/kanimaa-from-retro-fans-are-impressed-by-pooja-hegde-s-dance-moves-say-never-knew-she-could-outdo-suriya/ar-AA1Bwaxm Original structure of composition was: intro – hook line – chorus. Santhosh used drums for the instrumentation and added in trumpets for the melody.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/retro-movie-kanimaa-song-out-1149010|title="ரெட்ரோ" படத்தின் "கனிமா" பாடல் வெளியானது!|date=21 March 2025|website=www.dailythanthi.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=10 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410100911/https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/retro-movie-kanimaa-song-out-1149010|url-status=live}} The song featured high-energy, dance-oriented beat.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kanima-a-high-energy-dance-number-from-suriyas-retro-boosts-the-buzz/articleshow/119302910.cms|title='Kanima': A high-energy dance number from Suriya's 'Retro' boosts the buzz|work=The Times of India|date=21 March 2025|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=28 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328160401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kanima-a-high-energy-dance-number-from-suriyas-retro-boosts-the-buzz/articleshow/119302910.cms|url-status=live}} Santhosh broke down the song for listeners and other artists.https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Apr/22/kanimaa-song-from-retro-was-inspired-from-old-tamil-song The song had influences from traditional Tamil wedding music.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsx.com/entertainment/retro-suriyas-kanima-song-creates-buzz-with-high-energy-dance-track|title=Retro: Suriya's 'Kanima' Song Creates Buzz With High-Energy Dance Track|first=Lavanya|last=R|date=21 March 2025|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=8 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408212742/https://www.newsx.com/entertainment/retro-suriyas-kanima-song-creates-buzz-with-high-energy-dance-track/|url-status=live}}

The Tamil word Kanimaa ({{wikt-lang|ta|கனிமா}}; Kaṉimā) variously translates to 'sweetheart', 'divinity', and 'sacredness'. Notable lines like "Gumma, Yemma, Summa, Kanimaa" serve as vocalizations to enhance the song's catchy hook.{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.abplive.com/entertainment/suriya-pooja-hegde-starrer-retro-movie-kanimaa-song-full-lyrics-a-santosh-narayanan-musical-219142|title=Kanimaa Song Lyrics : ஆச பட வச்சான் ஆள விழ வச்சானே...ரெட்ரோ 'கனிமா' பாடல் வரிகள் இதோ|first=ராகேஷ்|last=தாரா|date=21 March 2025|website=tamil.abplive.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=21 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321182546/https://tamil.abplive.com/entertainment/suriya-pooja-hegde-starrer-retro-movie-kanimaa-song-full-lyrics-a-santosh-narayanan-musical-219142|url-status=live}}

The second was highly anticipated after the success of the film's first single "Kannadi Poove".{{Cite web|url=https://www.dishadaily.com/cinema/get-ready-boys-directors-interesting-tweet-says-big-update-coming-from-retro-423013|title=గెట్ రెడీ బాయ్స్.. 'రెట్రో నుంచి బిగ్ అప్డేట్ వచ్చేస్తుందంటూ డైరెక్టర్ ఇంట్రెస్టింగ్ ట్వీట్|date=20 March 2025|website=www.dishadaily.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/19/second-single-from-suriya-karthik-subbarajs-retro-titled-kanimaa|title=Second single from Suriya-Karthik Subbaraj's Retro titled 'Kanimaa'|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=19 March 2025|website=Cinema Express|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=2 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402180547/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Mar/19/second-single-from-suriya-karthik-subbarajs-retro-titled-kanimaa|url-status=live}} The song release was announced by Karthik Subbaraj on 19 March 2025,{{Cite web|url=https://publictv.in/second-single-from-suriya-pooja-hegde-karthik-subbarajs-retro-film-titled-kanimaa/|title=ಸೂರ್ಯ ನಟನೆಯ 'ರೆಟ್ರೋ' ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ತು ಬಿಗ್ ಅಪ್‌ಡೇಟ್ | Public TV - Latest Kannada News, Public TV Kannada Live, Public TV News|date=20 March 2025|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324024349/https://publictv.in/second-single-from-suriya-pooja-hegde-karthik-subbarajs-retro-film-titled-kanimaa/|url-status=live}} on the occasion of his birthday, as a surprise gift for the fans.{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/tamil/movies/suriya-retro-second-song-release-date-update-569567|title=கார்த்திக் சுப்புராஜ் பிரத் டே ஸ்பெஷல்.. வெளியான ரெட்ரோ அப்டேட்!|date=19 March 2025|website=Zee Hindustan Tamil}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nakkheeran.in/cinema/cinema-news/retro-second-single-released|title='கனிமா...' - வெளியான சூர்யா பட அப்டேட்|date=19 March 2025|website=nakkheeran|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319134346/https://www.nakkheeran.in/cinema/cinema-news/retro-second-single-released|url-status=live}} The song's teaser was unveiled on 20 March by the makers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jayanewslive.com/%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE/%22%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8B%22-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-2%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%87%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%88-5-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81|title="ரெட்ரோ" படத்தின் 2வது பாடல் இன்று மாலை 5 மணிக்கு வெளியீடு|website=Jaya TV|accessdate=10 April 2025}} Before the release of the song, Santhosh shared a funny dance version of the song on X, further increasing the song's anticipation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.etvbharat.com/ta/!entertainment/suriya-movie-retro-song-kanima-got-released-santhosh-narayanan-danced-for-video-tamil-nadu-news-tns25032105433|title='ரெட்ரோ' பாடலுக்கு நடனம் ஆடிய சந்தோஷ் நாரயணன்... வெளியானது சூர்யாவின் 'கனிமா' பாடல்!|first=E. T. V.|last=Bharat|date=21 March 2025|website=ETV Bharat News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Mar/21/retro-second-song-kanimaa-released|title=கனிமா... ரெட்ரோ 2-வது பாடல் வெளியானது!|date=21 March 2025|website=Dinamani|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325231121/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Mar/21/retro-second-song-kanimaa-released|url-status=live}} The second single titled "Kanimaa" was released on 21 March 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://tamiljanam.com/91369502/|title=சூர்யா நடித்துள்ள ரெட்ரோ படத்தின் கனிமா பாடல் வெளியீடு!|first=Murugesan|last=M|date=22 March 2025}}

The music video features Paarivel Kannan (Suriya) and Rukmini (Pooja Hegde) dancing to the song on their wedding.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Mar/22/pooja-hegde-viral-song|title=கனிமா! ரசிகர்களை உருக வைத்த பூஜா ஹெக்டே!|date=22 March 2025|website=Dinamani|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322111756/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Mar/22/pooja-hegde-viral-song|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramanews.com/entertainment/music/2025/03/21/the-new-song-from-suriyas-highly-anticipated-film-retro-has-just-been-released.html|title=ആഘോഷകല്യാണം; റെട്രോയിലെ ഗാനം പുറത്ത്; സൂര്യക്കൊപ്പം ആടി ജോജുവും|first=എന്‍റര്‍ടെയിന്‍മെന്‍റ്|last=ഡസ്ക്|date=21 March 2025|website=Manoramanews|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323113640/https://www.manoramanews.com/entertainment/music/2025/03/21/the-new-song-from-suriyas-highly-anticipated-film-retro-has-just-been-released.html|url-status=live}} It also featured Joju George, Singampuli, Santhosh Narayanan and others.{{Cite web|url=https://www.doolnews.com/retro-movie-second-single-out-now-64-144.html|title=ആരാ പറഞ്ഞത് സൂര്യക്ക് ഡാന്‍സ് ചേരില്ലെന്ന്? കിടിലന്‍ സ്റ്റെപ്പുമായി സൂര്യയും കൂടെ ചുവട് വെച്ച് ജോജുവും|website=DoolNews|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=21 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321181034/https://www.doolnews.com/retro-movie-second-single-out-now-64-144.html|url-status=live}}

The song is part of a 15-minute long single-shot sequence in the film, featuring action, drama, and dance featuring the lead cast.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/2025/Mar/24/retro-bts-comic-kanimaavin-kadhai|title=ரெட்ரோ: கார்ட்டூன் சித்திர வடிவில் கனிமா பாடல் காட்சிகள்!|date=24 March 2025|website=Dinamani|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324162858/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/2025/Mar/24/retro-bts-comic-kanimaavin-kadhai|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg/cinema/15-minute-chins-shot-scene-surya|title=சூர்யா படத்தில் 15 நிமிட 'சிங்கிள் ஷாட்' காட்சி, திரைச்செய்தி செய்திகள் - தமிழ் முரசு Cinema News in Tamil, Tamil Murasu|date=25 March 2025|website=Tamil Murasu}} According to Sherif, this is the first time mixing action, drama, and dance within 15 minutes in a film. The music video featured Suriya with a serious, expressionless face, while Pooja Hegde had a joyful expression, reflecting their respective characters in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://cinereporters.com/suriya-smiling-dance-for-retro-kanima-song-video-shared-by-2d-entertainment|title=இது ஏஐ எடிட்டிங் இல்ல பாய்!.. கனிமா பாட்டுக்கு நிஜமாவே சூர்யா அந்த விஷயத்தை பண்ணியிருக்காரு.. பாருங்க! - Cinereporters|date=5 April 2025}} The film team shot another version of the song with both Suriya and Hegde displaying joyful expressions and released it as a rehearsal video.{{Cite web|url=https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/retro-movie-surya-kannimma-song-rehearsal-video-release-yda-ws-d-2043672.html|title=Surya: ಪೂಜಾ ಹೆೆಗ್ಡೆ ಜೊತೆ ಸೂರ್ಯ ಸಖತ್ ಡ್ಯಾನ್ಸ್, 'ರೆಟ್ರೋ' ಸಿನಿಮಾದ ಸಾಂಗ್ ರಿಹರ್ಸಲ್ ವಿಡಿಯೋ ಔಟ್!|date=5 April 2025|website=kannada.news18.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=5 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405171652/https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/retro-movie-surya-kannimma-song-rehearsal-video-release-yda-ws-d-2043672.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://ttncinema.com/kollywood/suriya-rehearsal-version-of-kanima-song-released-by-retro/cid16516695.htm|title='கனிமா' பாடலின் சூர்யா Rehearsal version வீடியோவை வெளியிட்ட 'ரெட்ரோ' படக்குழு!|date=5 April 2025|website=ttncinema.com}} Later, the makers confirmed that the video was not part of the film and was shot and released solely for fans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/episode-9-shooting-scene-of-the-film-retro-released-in-comic-form-1151755|title=9-வது எபிசோட் : காமிக்ஸ் வடிவில் வெளியான "ரெட்ரோ" படத்தின் படப்பிடிப்பு காட்சி|date=8 April 2025|website=www.dailythanthi.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=10 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410050106/https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/episode-9-shooting-scene-of-the-film-retro-released-in-comic-form-1151755|url-status=live}}

Some common steps that are seen in every film of director Karthik Subbaraj are also seen in this song.{{Cite web|url=https://rtvlive.com/cinema/surya-retro-new-song-is-out-now-8880779|title=Surya RETRO Song: సూర్య ఫ్యాన్స్ కు 'రెట్రో' ట్రీట్.. మరో సాంగ్ రిలీజ్..|first=Lok|last=Prakash|website=rtvlive.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/kanimaa-lyrical-video-song-out-suriya-retro-movie-2402226|title=ఓల్డ్‌ స్టైల్‌ స్టెప్పులతో సూర్య, పూజా హెగ్డే 'రెట్రో' సాంగ్‌ | KANIMAA Lyrical Video Song Out From Suriya RETRO Movie | Sakshi|website=www.sakshi.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=27 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327173545/https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/kanimaa-lyrical-video-song-out-suriya-retro-movie-2402226|url-status=live}} Sherif Master was asked to prepare a hook step that would go viral on social media.{{Cite web|url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!entertainment/suriya-pulled-off-a-15-minute-continuous-shot-in-retro-with-kanimaa-song-reveal-makers-in-film-comic-enn25032502259|title=Suriya Pulled off a 15-Minute Continuous Shot in Retro With Kanimaa Song, Reveal Makers in Film Comic|first=E. T. V.|last=Bharat|date=25 March 2025|website=ETV Bharat News}}

Srijony Das of Pinkvilla praised the song and called it a "foot-tapping number".{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kanimaa-bts-suriya-and-pooja-hegde-dance-like-no-ones-watching-as-they-rehearse-for-groovy-track-from-retro-1380906|title=Kanimaa BTS: Suriya and Pooja Hegde dance like no one's watching as they rehearse for groovy track from Retro|date=5 April 2025|website=PINKVILLA|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=10 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410055051/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kanimaa-bts-suriya-and-pooja-hegde-dance-like-no-ones-watching-as-they-rehearse-for-groovy-track-from-retro-1380906|url-status=live}} Atreyee Poddar of Indulge Express described it as a "vibe material".{{Cite web|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2025/Mar/24/pooja-hegde-drops-another-chartbuster-with-kanimaa-from-retro|title=Pooja Hegde drops another chartbuster with Kanimaa from Retro|first=Atreyee|last=Poddar|date=24 March 2025|website=Indulgexpress|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324120232/https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2025/Mar/24/pooja-hegde-drops-another-chartbuster-with-kanimaa-from-retro|url-status=live}} The Statesman praised the song and stated, "The track has that perfect mix of upbeat rhythm and catchy choreography, making it the next big sensation for reels and dance covers."{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/pooja-hegde-drops-kanimaa-the-hookstep-queen-strikes-again-1503411373.html|title=Pooja Hegde drops 'Kanimaa': The hookstep queen strikes again!|first=Statesman|last=Web|website=The Statesman|date=24 March 2025|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324152804/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/pooja-hegde-drops-kanimaa-the-hookstep-queen-strikes-again-1503411373.html|url-status=live}}

Raisa Nasreen of Times Now wrote "Composed by Santhosh Narayanan, who has also sung the song with The Indian Choral Ensemble, Kanimaa is set in a wedding backdrop, bringing to life the dance beats 90s weddings. Vivek has written the lyrics for this Kalyaana Kuthu number."{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/pooja-hegde-steals-suriyas-thunder-in-kanimaa-from-retro-article-119406061|title=Kanimaa From Retro: Fans Are Impressed By Pooja Hegde's Dance Moves, Say "Never Knew She Could Outdo Suriya"|date=24 March 2025|website=Times Now|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324060214/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/pooja-hegde-steals-suriyas-thunder-in-kanimaa-from-retro-article-119406061|url-status=live}} Rahul M of The Free Press Journal complimented the idea of the song and wrote "The song’s visuals feature a traditional Tamil wedding with people dancing joyously in celebration. It shows people dressed in vibrant costumes and displaying celebratory vibes."{{Cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/instagram-influencer-ricky-pond-dances-to-kanimaa-song-from-tamil-star-suriyas-retro-video-goes-viral|title=Instagram Influencer Ricky Pond Dances To 'Kanimaa' Song from Tamil Star Suriya's Retro; Video Goes Viral|website=Free Press Journal|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=9 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409200755/https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/instagram-influencer-ricky-pond-dances-to-kanimaa-song-from-tamil-star-suriyas-retro-video-goes-viral|url-status=live}}

The song was also released in Telugu as "Bujjamma", with lyrics written by Shyam Kasarla and in Hindi as "Anarkali" with lyrics written by Raqueeb Alam.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eenadu.net/videos/playvideo/bujjamma-lyrical-video-retro-suriya-pooja-hegde/2/66862|title=Bujjamma: ఆకట్టుకునేలా సూర్య- పూజాహెగ్డే జోడీ.. 'బుజ్జమ్మ' సాంగ్‌ రిలీజ్‌|website=EENADU|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=28 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328154930/https://www.eenadu.net/videos/playvideo/bujjamma-lyrical-video-retro-suriya-pooja-hegde/2/66862|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.telugutimes.net/cinema/cinema-news/bujjamma-lyrical-video-song-from-retro-280652.html|title=Pooja Hegde: బుజ్జ‌మ్మ సాంగ్ లో పూజా డ్యాన్సులు వైర‌ల్|date=29 March 2025|website=Latest Telugu News | తెలుగు వార్తలు | NRI Telugu News Paper in USA - Telugu Times|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=29 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329163555/https://www.telugutimes.net/cinema/cinema-news/bujjamma-lyrical-video-song-from-retro-280652.html|url-status=live}} All the version were sung by Santhosh and The Indian Choral Ensemble.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/suriya-and-pooja-hegde-bujjamma-lyrical-video-song-retro-2407923|title=సూర్యతో బుట్టబొమ్మ స్టెప్పులు.. బుజ్జమ్మ సాంగ్‌ వచ్చేసింది | Suriya and Pooja Hegde Bujjamma Lyrical Video Song from Retro | Sakshi|website=www.sakshi.com}}

The song crossed 10 million views within few hours of its release and 20 million within few days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamalar.com/cinemanews/128336|title='இன்ஸ்டன்ட் ஹிட்' ஆன 'ரெட்ரோ' கனிமா…..|website=Dinamalar}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg/tabla/relax/14-million-views-4-days|title=14 million views in 4 days|first=Reema|last=Dudekula|date=27 March 2025|website=www.tamilmurasu.com.sg|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=1 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401001445/https://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg/tabla/relax/14-million-views-4-days|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/retro-movie-kanimaa-song-has-crossed-2-crore-views-1151270|title=2 கோடி பார்வைகளை கடந்த "ரெட்ரோ" படத்தின் "கனிமா" பாடல்|date=5 April 2025|website=www.dailythanthi.com}}{{cite web | url=https://www.twentyfournews.com/2025/04/11/will-retro-be-the-comeback-of-suriya.html | title=വമ്പൻ തിരിച്ചു വരവിനൊരുങ്ങി സൂര്യ }} Upon its release, the song started trending on internet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-news/2025/03/22/kanimaa-song-from-the-movie-retro.html|title=ആവേശക്കാഴ്ചയായി റെട്രോയിലെ കല്യാണപ്പാട്ട്, സൂര്യയ്ക്കൊപ്പം ആറാടി ജോജു ജോർജും; 6 മില്യൻ പിന്നിട്ട് കാഴ്ചക്കാർ|website=ആവേശക്കാഴ്ചയായി റെട്രോയിലെ കല്യാണപ്പാട്ട്, സൂര്യയ്ക്കൊപ്പം ആറാടി ജോജു ജോർജും; 6 മില്യൻ പിന്നിട്ട് കാഴ്ചക്കാർ}} The song received positive reception from audiences, praising the music.{{Cite web|url=https://news7tamil.live/retros-song-kanima-goes-viral.html|title=வைரலாகும் ரெட்ரோவின் 'கனிமா' பாடல்!|date=22 March 2025|website=News7 Tamil|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322131539/https://news7tamil.live/retros-song-kanima-goes-viral.html|url-status=live}} The song soon started trending on several music platforms.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/suriya-wraps-up-dubbing-for-retro-this-karthik-subbaraj-directorial-is-set-for-release-on-may-1/articleshow/119901166.cms|title=Suriya wraps up dubbing for 'Retro', this Karthik Subbaraj directorial is set for release on May 1|work=The Times of India|date=2 April 2025|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=8 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408093039/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/suriya-wraps-up-dubbing-for-retro-this-karthik-subbaraj-directorial-is-set-for-release-on-may-1/articleshow/119901166.cms|url-status=live}} Suriya and Pooja Hegde's rolling step in the music video went viral and became a signature hook step and was recreated by many,{{Cite web|url=https://www.m9.news/tamil-movie-news/suriyas-retro-kannima-song-endless-impact/|title=Suriya's Retro: One Song, Endless Impact|date=29 March 2025|website=M9.news}} in short-video and social media platforms.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/retro-suriya-wraps-up-dubbing-for-karthik-subbaraj-film-makers-celebrate-with-studio-ghibli-art-trend/0e17fda324532|title=Retro: Suriya wraps up dubbing for Karthik Subbaraj film; Makers celebrate with Studio Ghibli art trend|website=OTTPlay|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=6 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406093744/https://www.ottplay.com/news/retro-suriya-wraps-up-dubbing-for-karthik-subbaraj-film-makers-celebrate-with-studio-ghibli-art-trend/0e17fda324532|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.news18.com/entertainment/cinema-retro-movie-kanima-song-goes-viral-on-instagram-nw-kls-ws-b-1763939.html|title=இன்ஸ்டா ரீல்ஸ்களை தெறிக்கவிட்டு.. 'வைப்' மெட்டிரியலாக மாறிய 'ரெட்ரோ' படத்தின் கனிமா பாடல்!|date=24 March 2025|website=tamil.news18.com|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324074556/https://tamil.news18.com/entertainment/cinema-retro-movie-kanima-song-goes-viral-on-instagram-nw-kls-ws-b-1763939.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/watch-karthi-recreates-his-brother-suriyas-dance-number-kanimaa-from-retro-dont-miss-his-swag-moves-1379729|title=Watch: Karthi recreates his brother Suriya's dance number Kanimaa from Retro; don't miss his swag moves|date=29 March 2025|website=PINKVILLA|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=6 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406020339/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/watch-karthi-recreates-his-brother-suriyas-dance-number-kanimaa-from-retro-dont-miss-his-swag-moves-1379729|url-status=live}} Hegde often recreated the viral portion of the dance in the film's promotions.{{cite news |title=ரசிகர்களுடன் `கனிமா' பாடலை ரீகிரியேட் செய்த பூஜா ஹெக்டே |url=https://www.maalaimalar.com/cinema/cinemanews/pooja-hegde-recreates-the-song-kanima-with-fans-769460 |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=Maalai Malar |date=19 April 2025}}{{cite news |title=பூஜாவின் ஆட்டத்திற்கு போட்டியே இல்லை! |url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Apr/19/pooja-hegde-kannima-song-retro |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=Dinamani |date=19 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=ரெட்ரோ விழா... கனிமா பாடலுக்கு வைப் செய்த ... |url=https://www.dinamalar.com/videos/shorts-reels/---------pooja-hegde--retro-grand-audio-launch/28334 |website=Dinamalar |access-date=19 April 2025 |date=19 April 2025}} She performed the hookstep live with over 10,000 fans at the film's audio launch held on 18 April 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.{{cite news |title='கனிமா' பாடலை ரீகிரியேட் செய்த பூஜா ஹெக்டே |url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/pooja-hegde-recreates-the-song-kanima-1153552 |access-date=19 April 2025 |work=Daily Thanthi |date=19 April 2025}}

Hegde's Sari hook step went viral in social media, and many recreated the signature step.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Apr/08/retro-trailer-update|title=ரெட்ரோ டிரைலர் எப்போது?|date=8 April 2025|website=Dinamani|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=8 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408130550/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Apr/08/retro-trailer-update|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://kumudamnews.com/article/cinema/actress-pooja-hegde-shows-enthusiasm-for-dubbing-retro | title=ஏய் கனிமா.. 'ரெட்ரோ' டப்பிங் பணியில் தீவிரம் காட்டும் பூஜா ஹெக்டே }} Hegde's expression was also praised by many calling her "expression queen" following the song's release with her dance moves drawing comparisons to her previous chartbusters like "Butta Bomma", "Arabic Kuthu" and "Ramuloo Ramulaa".{{Cite web|url=https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/when-suriya-nailed-a-15-minute-single-shot-sequence-for-retro-827669|title=When Suriya nailed a 15-minute single shot sequence for Retro|date=25 March 2025|website=www.dtnext.in}}https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/pooja-hegde-flaunts-infectious-dance-moves-in-retro-s-new-song-kanimaa-watch-article-12973692.html A critic from The Times of India noted the song "garnered attention for its catchy tune and Pooja Hegde's mesmerizing dance performance, which quickly became a viral sensation on Instagram reels."{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/the-one-suriya-builds-anticipation-for-retro-with-the-third-song-release/articleshow/120249968.cms|title='The One': Suriya builds anticipation for 'Retro' with the third song release|date=13 April 2025|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}

Many celebrities such as Karthi,{{Cite web|url=https://tv9telugu.com/entertainment/tollywood/hero-karthi-dance-his-brother-suriyas-kanima-from-retro-video-goes-viral-1501110.html|title=Karthi Dance: అన్న పాటకు అదిరిపోయే స్టెప్పులేసి కార్తీ.. వీడియో వైరల్|first=TV9|last=Telugu|date=30 March 2025|website=TV9 Telugu}} Sai Dhanshika,{{Cite web|url=https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Apr/04/sai-dhanshika-joins-the-vibe-of-kanima|title='கனிமா' டிரெண்டிங்கில் இணைந்த சாய் தன்ஷிகா!|date=4 April 2025|website=Dinamani|access-date=10 April 2025|archive-date=5 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405165725/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2025/Apr/04/sai-dhanshika-joins-the-vibe-of-kanima|url-status=live}} Raveena Daha, Swasika, Priya Prakash Varrier,{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/priya-prakash-varrier-swoons-over-banger-track-kanimaa-from-suriya-and-pooja-hegde-starrer-retro-watch-1383066|title=Priya Prakash Varrier swoons over banger track Kanimaa from Suriya and Pooja Hegde starrer Retro; WATCH|date=17 April 2025|website=PINKVILLA}} Devika Nambiar,{{Cite web|url=https://www.mangalam.com/news/detail/774723-mini-screen-devika-vijay-mocked-by-troll-over-latest-video-fans-step-in-with-support.html|title=കനിമ പാട്ടിന് തകര്‍പ്പന്‍ ഡാന്‍സുമായി വിജയ് മാധവും ദേവികയും; വീഡിയോ|website=www.mangalam.com}} Samyuktha Shanmuganathan, Akshaya Kimmy, Dhakshana, Venba, Divya Vikram, Ramya Ranganathan, Saanve Megghana, and several others, recreated the music video by performing the song's iconic hook step.{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.timesnownews.com/entertainment/kanima-song-instagram-reels-video-vibe-of-celebrities-and-instagram-couples-influencers-dance-for-retro-movie-suriya-pooja-hegde-kanima-song-article-151347586|title=Kanima Song Reels Video : சூர்யா கூட இப்படி ஆடல, ஓவர் ஃபர்பாமன்ஸ்! இன்ஸ்டாகிராம் ஃபுல்லா கனிமா ரீல்ஸ் வீடியோ தான்!|date=4 April 2025|website=Times Now Tamil}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/lubber-pandhu-actress-swasika-joins-the-kanimaa-trend-1151660|title='கனிமா' டிரெண்டில் இணைந்த 'லப்பர் பந்து' பட நடிகை|date=8 April 2025|website=www.dailythanthi.com|access-date=17 April 2025|archive-date=9 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409134739/https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/lubber-pandhu-actress-swasika-joins-the-kanimaa-trend-1151660|url-status=live}}https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/southcinema/karthi-rocks-with-kanimaa-dance-steps-from-suriyas-retro/ar-AA1BSScy

Credits adapted from YouTube.

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• Santhosh Narayanan{{spaced ndash}} composer, singer, arranger, programmer
• Vivek{{spaced ndash}} lyricist
• The Indian Choral Ensemble{{spaced ndash}} vocal
• Sherif{{spaced ndash}} Choreographer
• Rupendar Venkatesh{{spaced ndash}} mix engineer, mastering engineer
• Naveen Napier{{spaced ndash}} bass
• Karthikvamsi{{spaced ndash}} rhythm programmer
• Vijay{{spaced ndash}} trumpet
• Maxi{{spaced ndash}} trumpet
• Ben{{spaced ndash}} trumpet
• Mariyappan{{spaced ndash}} drum
• Buddhar kalaikuzhu{{spaced ndash}} tapes

{{div col end}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{T-Series}}

Category:2025 songs

Category:Indian songs

Category:Songs written for Tamil films

Category:Songs with music by Santhosh Narayanan

Category:Songs with lyrics by Vivek

Category:Viral videos

Category:Songs in Tamil