On May 1, 2025, the much-anticipated film Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starring the acclaimed Suriya, hit theaters across India, creating considerable buzz among fans and critics alike. The film, which also features Pooja Hegde, Joju George, and a host of supporting actors, attempts to blend various genres into a single narrative, but the execution has left many feeling underwhelmed.
The story follows Paarivel Kannan (Suriya), an orphan adopted by the gangster Tilak (Joju George), who struggles with the violent legacy of his upbringing. As he falls in love with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), Paarivel yearns to leave his criminal past behind. However, his journey is complicated by Tilak's obsession with a mysterious entity known as the 'Gold Fish,' which only Paarivel knows about. The film's plot thickens when Paarivel escapes from prison with the help of King Michael's (Vidhu) men, leading to a series of events that reveal the motivations behind his escape and the true nature of his relationships.
The film opens with a striking 15-minute single-shot sequence featuring the catchy song "Kanima," showcasing Suriya's impressive range and setting a high bar for the rest of the film. Critics have noted that Suriya delivers a dedicated performance, embodying multiple looks that reflect the story's timeline. His portrayal of Paarivel is intense, particularly in action-heavy moments and key emotional scenes. However, despite Suriya's strong performance, the film struggles to maintain its narrative grip.
One of the primary criticisms of Retro is its muddled storytelling. While it begins as a love story, it quickly transitions into a crime drama and then shifts again, leaving audiences confused about the film's core message. The screenplay lacks depth, with character arcs and relationships poorly developed, which limits the emotional impact of pivotal moments. Critics have pointed out that supporting characters, including Jayaram and Nassar, feel underutilized, with their roles reduced to mere background presence.
Technically, Retro has its strengths. The cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna captures a vintage aesthetic, and the production values are solid, resulting in a visually polished film. Santhosh Narayanan's music stands out, elevating many scenes and adding emotional weight, even if the songs do not resonate as strongly in the Telugu version. However, issues with editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali have been noted, with many scenes feeling unnecessarily stretched, which detracts from the film's pacing.
The film's ambition is evident, with Subbaraj attempting to create a genre-blending narrative that combines elements of love, action, and social commentary. However, the execution falters as the film becomes overloaded with ideas that do not mesh well together. Critics have described the film as overstuffed, highlighting the absurdity of some plot points and the lack of coherence in its narrative structure.
Despite its flaws, Retro has garnered attention for its ambitious scope and Suriya's performance. The film has been met with mixed reviews, with some praising its technical aspects while others criticize its narrative shortcomings. As of the release date, the film is projected to perform well at the box office, with estimates suggesting it could gross between Rs 28-30 crore on its opening day.
In addition to its theatrical release, Retro is set to be available on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada after its theatrical run. This wide release strategy reflects the film's appeal and the anticipation surrounding Suriya's return to the big screen.
In summary, while Retro features a strong lead performance and impressive technical elements, its convoluted storytelling and lack of character development may leave some viewers dissatisfied. As the film continues its run in theaters, audiences are encouraged to approach it with tempered expectations, particularly those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Karthik Subbaraj's filmmaking style.
