Movie Review: Retro (2025)

A Mixed Blend of Style and Substance

Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is his latest attempt to craft a multi-genre experience that blends drama, action, and social themes. Starring Suriya, Pooja Hegde, and Joju George, the film tries to bring a unique period setting to life but struggles with pacing and narrative consistency.

Storyline:
The film follows Paari (Suriya), an orphan raised by a gangster, who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. Along the way, he faces betrayals, powerful enemies, and uncovers secrets about his past. His quest also reconnects him with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), his long-lost love, while battling against a dangerous cult. The plot is ambitious, juggling multiple themes, but sometimes it feels cluttered and stretched.

Performances:
Suriya is the heart of the film, delivering a solid performance that brings depth and intensity to his character. His screen presence keeps the movie engaging even when the plot wavers. Joju George shines in his role, making the most of his scenes with impactful acting. Pooja Hegde’s performance is decent, although her character doesn’t get enough scope to truly stand out.

Technical Aspects:
The cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna is well-executed, capturing the period setting effectively, though some scenes lack the authentic touch that would have made the world more immersive. Santhosh Narayanan’s music is fitting but not entirely memorable, serving its purpose without standing out. Editing could have been tighter, as the film’s long runtime makes certain parts feel dragged out.

Production Design:
The production team puts in a good effort to recreate the past era, but the costume design and certain visual elements sometimes feel underwhelming. While there are glimpses of brilliance, the overall experience feels uneven.

Direction and Writing:
Karthik Subbaraj’s style is evident throughout—his flair for dramatic storytelling and layered narratives is visible, but the script’s attempt to cover too many elements at once makes it inconsistent. Some scenes are beautifully crafted, while others seem like they belong in a different movie altogether.

Final Verdict:
Retro is a film with promise and moments of brilliance, especially in its performances and visual style. However, its ambition sometimes outweighs its execution, leaving it as a movie that is good but not great. It’s worth a watch for Suriya’s powerful role and Karthik Subbaraj’s unique direction, but it may not leave a lasting impact.