Retro Movie Review: Clumsy and Confusing
Rating: 2/5
Production Companies: 2D Entertainment, Stone Bench Films
Lead Cast: Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Joju George, Nasser, Prakash Raj, Shriya Saran
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematography: Shreyaas Krishna
Editing: Shafique Mohamed Ali
Production Design: Jacki, Mayapandi
Stunts: Kecha Khamphakdee
Producers: Jyothika, Suriya
Director: Karthik Subbaraj
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Suriya has faced a string of setbacks at the box office lately. In an intriguing turn, he teams up with the visionary director Karthik Subbaraj, known for his unconventional storytelling. So, does this collaboration set the screen alight, or is it just another miss? Let’s delve in.
The Storyline: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Retro puts forth a tale that begins with Pari (Suriya), who is adopted by Sandhyamma, the wife of a notorious gangster, Thilakan (Joju George). While Sandhyamma embraces him as her son, Thilakan’s rejection casts a long shadow over Pari’s life. Following Sandhyamma’s untimely death, Pari navigates a tumultuous childhood, eventually encountering Rukmini (Pooja Hegde) in Kashi—a girl who, like him, has been marked by loss.
Fast forward, and Pari becomes Thilakan’s right-hand man, only to have fate throw him back into Rukmini’s arms. Their romance flourishes, and they plan to marry, with Pari vowing to leave his tumultuous life behind. However, during their wedding, Thilakan’s demand for a stash of smuggled gold spirals into chaos, leading Rukmini to walk away from their love.
What follows is a test of love, loyalty, and the lengths one is willing to go to reclaim what they’ve lost.
Character Performances: A Mixed Bag
Suriya steps into the role with aplomb, showcasing his impressive acting range and pulling audiences into the emotional depths of his character. He transitions smoothly from heart-wrenching moments to breathtaking action sequences.
Conversely, Pooja Hegde’s portrayal of Rukmini is commendable, marking a departure from her glamorous roles. She captures the emotional nuances of her character, making her struggle palpable.
However, not all supporting performances resonate. Nassar and his son, depicted as island kings, venture into the realm of the over-the-top, while Jayaram’s quirky Dr. Chaplin often tips into caricature, detracting from the story’s gravity.
Technical Aspects: Where the Film Stumbles
Musically, Santhosh Narayanan elevates scenes with an engaging background score, while Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography encapsulates the atmosphere well. However, the editing is where Retro falters—the pace drags, particularly in the second half, as scenes convolute the narrative.
Highlights and Drawbacks
Highlights
- Suriya: His emotional portrayal anchors the film.
- Single-Shot Sequence: A captivating wedding scene showcases a blend of song, drama, and action.
Drawbacks
- Confusing Narrative: Many plotlines feel muddled, leaving viewers disoriented.
- Emotional Detachment: The film struggles to hold a compelling emotional grip.
- Sluggish Second Half: A narrative that fizzles out, leading to viewer fatigue.
In-Depth Analysis
Retro ambitiously spans decades, starting in the 1960s and culminating in the 1990s. This period drama introduces intriguing chapters—Love, Laugh, War—but the execution falls short. The initial segments offer glimmers of hope, yet the pace stalls, transforming the engaging wedding scene into a prelude to a meandering plot.
As the narrative shifts to the island, mirroring Suriya’s emotionally restrained character, the film’s coherence unravels. The shifts from one subplot to another become disjointed, making it a mental workout to keep pace.
In a startling irony, Suriya identifies with a tribal-period film once again after facing backlash for a similar project, Kanguva. His choice to tackle Retro reveals a lack of grounded script, sacrificing clarity for ambition.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Patience
Ultimately, Retro aims high but lands poorly. The love story, instead of blossoming, feels forced and unconvincing. Suriya remains the film’s heart, but even his strong presence can’t buoy the disjointed narrative.
For viewers seeking a coherent story that deeply engages, Retro may prove a frustrating experience.
Explore more on film insights and updates here!
