Retro, the much-hyped Tamil action-romance flick, hit theaters on May 1, 2025, bringing together Kollywood superstar Suriya and director Karthik Subbaraj for a nostalgic ride billed as “Love, Laughter, War.” With a stellar cast, including Pooja Hegde, Joju George, and Jayaram, and a hefty ₹60–65 crore budget, the film promised a blend of gritty gangster drama, heartfelt romance, and Subbaraj’s signature quirky flair. The result? A visually dazzling, Suriya-powered spectacle that starts strong but stumbles in its overstuffed second half, leaving audiences thrilled yet frustrated. Here’s my take on Retro’s highs, lows, and everything in between.
The Plot: A Gangster’s Quest for Peace
Set between the 1960s and 1990s in Thoothukudi, Retro follows Paarivel “Paari” Kannan (Suriya), an orphan adopted by Sandhya (Swastika), the kind-hearted wife of ruthless gangster Thilagan (Joju George). Marked by a trident-shaped scar and raised in a world of violence, Paari grows up emotionally distant, unable to smile. After Sandhya’s death, he earns Thilagan’s reluctant respect by saving him during an ambush. Years later, Paari falls for Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), a veterinarian who urges him to ditch his criminal life for love. When Paari steals a mysterious “Gold Fish” from Thilagan, his wedding to Rukmini is disrupted, landing him in jail. After escaping, he tracks Rukmini to a remote Andaman island ruled by a cultish leader (Nassar) and his son (Vidhu), where Paari’s past and a prophecy about a savior with a trident mark collide.
The story, divided into chapters like “Love,” “Laughter,” and “War,” explores Paari’s search for purpose, blending Buddhist philosophy, resistance against oppression, and a quest for redemption. But with so many threads—love, gangsters, cults, and tribal struggles—it often feels like too much on one plate.
Suriya Steals the Show
Suriya is the beating heart of Retro, delivering a performance that’s both intense and soulful. His retro look—vintage hairstyles, slick outfits—screams style, and he nails Paari’s mix of rage, vulnerability, and longing. Whether he’s throwing punches in a jaw-dropping fight or sharing tender moments with Rukmini, Suriya’s screen presence is electric. A 15-minute single-shot wedding sequence, featuring the viral “Kanimaa” song, is a standout, blending action, dance, and drama with seamless energy. Suriya’s martial arts training in Thailand shines in the fight scenes, making them a high point.
Pooja Hegde delivers what some call her career-best performance as Rukmini, bringing sincerity and emotional depth, especially in the first half. Her chemistry with Suriya feels authentic, though her role fades in the second half. Joju George is solid as the menacing Thilagan, while Jayaram’s quirky doctor adds comic relief but feels out of place. Supporting players like Nassar, Prakash Raj, and Shriya Saran (in a brief item song) do their part, but the script doesn’t give them much to work with.
Direction and Style: Ambitious but Uneven
Karthik Subbaraj, known for bold films like Jigarthanda and Petta, pitches Retro as a love story with action, but it’s more like a genre mash-up—part gangster flick, part romance, part social commentary. The first half is a banger, with a gripping setup, emotional stakes, and that epic wedding sequence. The 136-second teaser had already set expectations sky-high with its retro vibe and Santhosh Narayanan’s thumping score. But the second half, diving into a bizarre “Black Island” arc with a “Rubber Cult” and a Hunger Games-style fighting pit, feels like a different movie.
Subbaraj’s ambition to tackle themes like love, violence, and tribal oppression is admirable, but the screenplay is overstuffed. As one review puts it, “Too many characters and subplots spoil the broth.” The island’s historical angle—native people enslaved post-British invasion—has potential but feels tacked on, diluting the emotional core. The love story, billed as the heart of the film, loses steam, with Rukmini sidelined.
Technical Brilliance
Retro is a visual feast, thanks to Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography. From Thoothukudi’s gritty streets to the Andaman’s lush islands, every frame pops with retro color tones. The 15–17-minute single-shot “Kanimaa” sequence is a technical marvel, blending action, emotion, and dance. Santhosh Narayanan’s music is a mixed bag: the “Kanimaa” song, with its viral hook step, is a chartbuster, but the background score feels average for Telugu audiences, leaning heavily on Tamil retro vibes. Editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali could’ve been tighter; at 2 hours 48 minutes, the film drags, especially in the “never-ending” action scenes. Production values are top-notch, with filming in Chennai, Ooty, Kerala, and the Andamans.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
What Rocks:
- Suriya’s magnetic, versatile performance—action, romance, and drama all in one.
- The first half’s tight screenplay and that epic “Kanimaa” single-shot sequence.
- Stunning visuals and retro aesthetics that nail the 1960s–90s vibe.
- Pooja Hegde’s heartfelt performance and viral dance moves.
What Doesn’t:
- A cluttered second half with too many subplots—cults, islands, and saviors.
- Uneven pacing and overlong action that overshadows the love story.
- Weak emotional depth in the romance and supporting characters.
- Controversial casting choices that reinforce colorism.
Final Verdict
Retro is a Suriya showcase, and he delivers a performance worth the ticket price alone. The film’s first half is a thrilling mix of romance and action, with technical brilliance that screams big-screen energy. But its ambitious second half, stuffed with quirky detours and a shaky narrative, keeps it from being a classic. If you’re a Suriya fan or love stylish action with a retro vibe, it’s a fun ride—especially in theaters for that “Kanimaa” moment. But if you’re expecting the tight storytelling of Subbaraj’s Jigarthanda or a deep love story, you might leave wanting more. It’s a bold swing that doesn’t fully connect but still marks a strong comeback for Suriya after Kanguva.
Rating: 3/5