Pooja Hegde Sparks a Viral Wave as ‘Kanimaa’ Lyrical Hits 40M Views Before ‘Retro’ Release

The queen of dance is back—and she’s setting YouTube on fire once again. Pooja Hegde, the actress known for her infectious charm and unbeatable hookstep energy, has just turned the lyrical video of Kanimaa into a chart-smashing sensation. With over 40 million views and counting, the song from the much-anticipated film Retro has become a viral anthem even before the movie hits theatres.

While lyrical videos often stay in the shadows until full visuals arrive, Kanimaa has bucked the trend. Released just a month ago, the song has caught the pulse of the audience with its infectious retro wedding beats, pulsating rhythm, and of course, Pooja’s captivating presence. The lyrical video is no less than a celebration, with fans everywhere recreating Pooja’s now-iconic hookstep on reels, TikToks, and dance challenges.

It’s not just the music doing the magic—it’s the magnetism of Pooja Hegde. Her blend of grace and groove has not only drawn attention but sparked a movement online. From dance schools to influencers, everyone’s hopping on the Kanimaa trend. What sets her apart, according to fans, is how effortlessly she moves to the music, making even the most stylized steps look organic and joyful.

The dance craze has added a burst of anticipation for Retro, the upcoming action-packed drama helmed by acclaimed director Karthik Subbaraj. The film stars Pooja Hegde opposite Tamil superstar Suriya, and judging by early buzz, audiences are in for a nostalgic yet thrilling ride. Interestingly, the film’s trailer has also crossed an impressive 21 million views within six days of its release, giving fans more to be excited about.

But back to Kanimaa—what’s made this particular lyrical video blow up?

For one, the hookstep choreographed to mirror the retro theme of the film has a universal appeal. Whether it’s a wedding function or a flash mob, the dance is catchy and celebratory, perfectly timed with the summer wedding season. Pooja’s styling, smile, and spirit in the song have also drawn comparisons to classic dance icons, and some fans have gone as far as saying she outshines her co-star Suriya in their scenes together.

With so much digital love pouring in, Pooja took to her social media to thank her fans and celebrate the milestone. In her words, “It’s not just a song, it’s a vibe—and I’m so grateful to be a part of something the audience has connected to so deeply.”

Meanwhile, Retro is scheduled for a grand release on May 1 and is expected to be a theatrical spectacle. A gangster drama with a nostalgic twist, it promises action, romance, and music that already has the world dancing. Pooja Hegde will reportedly bring a fresh emotional arc to the otherwise gritty storyline, playing a character full of innocence and strength.

And there’s more in store for her fans. Pooja is also set to star in an upcoming Bollywood romantic comedy titled Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, where she will be sharing screen space with Varun Dhawan. Directed by the hitmaker David Dhawan, the project is already generating buzz with its title alone.

From lyrical charts to silver screens, Pooja Hegde is riding high on success—and if Kanimaa is any indication, the Retro wave is just getting started.