Retro Movie Review

Actor Suriya’s much-awaited film Retro has finally hit the screens with a grand opening. Written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by 2D Entertainment, the film features a powerful ensemble including Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Prakash Raj, Nasser, and others. With music by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna, Retro arrives with high expectations.

Set in the backdrop of 1993, the story follows Paarivel (Suriya), a loyal henchman and almost an adopted son of a dominant mafia businessman (Joju George). Paarivel’s life runs in a monotonous loop until he meets his love interest Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). For the first time in his life, he begins to smile and experiences a new sense of joy. Just as the two decide to tie the knot, a mysterious package called ‘Golden Fish’ causes a rift between Paarivel and his foster father.

 Paarivel then leaves to Andaman, the hometown of his lover, intending to impress her family and marry her. But things take a dramatic turn, and he finds himself fighting for the survival of an oppressed community. This marks the actual beginning of the hero’s mission.

The film lives up to its title with a strong retro setup. Karthik Subbaraj once again shows his flair for technical finesse, backed by a solid crew. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score breathes life into the film, while Shreyaas Krishna’s visuals are one of its biggest strengths. However, the editing is uneven, with only the title sequences standing out. The much-anticipated song “Kanimaa” loses its impact due to misplaced dialogue interruptions. Shriya Saran’s special appearance in a dance number adds glam appeal.

Narratively, the first half lacks direction and feels disconnected from the second half. The real plot unfolds post-intermission with a more structured and engaging flow. The shift in tone and setting faintly reminds one of Jigarthanda Double X, where the protagonist’s personal journey turns into a social battle. A few action sequences in the latter half add intensity and intrigue.

Performance-wise, Suriya is in top form. His restrained emotions and explosive action moments keep the audience engaged. Pooja Hegde’s role is written well, but the artificial attempt to darken her skin tone feels forced—casting a naturally dusky actress would have been a more authentic choice. Joju George, Prakash Raj, Nasser, and Sujith Shanker deliver solid supporting performances.

The film does well to explain the reason behind Paarivel’s emotionless demeanor, which connects to the larger story arc. Yet, there’s a lingering sense of déjà vu, as the core story feels like something we’ve seen in Tamil cinema before.

Overall, Retro is an average film that leans heavily on style and performance. While the storyline is timeworn, the film is made watchable by Suriya’s presence, strong visuals, and a more focused second half.