Retro Movie Review: Suriya’s Name Shines On The Box Office Collection of 1st Day
Retro, the latest Tamil-language film from director Karthik Subbaraj, features powerhouse performer Suriya in a gritty yet emotionally-charged lead role. With Pooja Hegde in a refreshing character and Joju George delivering a compelling performance, the film sets out to explore themes of loyalty, love, violence, and redemption, packaged with Subbaraj’s signature style. But while Retro aspires to offer a layered narrative, its impact fluctuates throughout the 2.5-hour runtime.
A Tale Rooted in Conflict and Identity
At the heart of Retro is Paarivel Kannan, a boy raised by a feared gangster, Thilagan (Joju George), and his caring wife, Sandhya (Swasika). Born under auspicious circumstances on Krishna Jayanthi, Paari grows up in the morally complex world of crime. His life takes a turn when he meets Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), whose presence awakens a desire in him to choose a path away from violence.
The film moves through different cities, including Madurai, Tuticorin, and even the Andaman Islands, tracing Paari’s internal and external journey. These shifting backdrops mirror his own psychological transitions—from a loyal gangster’s son to someone seeking his own truth.
Performances That Add Depth
Suriya’s portrayal of Paarivel is intense and immersive. He convincingly shows the transformation of a conflicted soul torn between the violent legacy of his father and the yearning for a life of peace and love. Pooja Hegde, although given a slightly underwritten role, brings emotional weight to the film. Her chemistry with Suriya adds warmth to an otherwise dark narrative. Supporting actors like Joju George and Swasika are particularly effective, adding layers to the storyline.
Visual Craft Meets Inconsistent Storytelling
Cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna captures the visual aesthetic with flair, especially in a standout single-shot fight sequence that adds both style and tension. The film’s music and background score enhance the emotional beats and action scenes well.
However, the storytelling isn’t flawless. The first half of Retro builds a compelling emotional arc, but the second half loses momentum. The film attempts to juggle too many themes—gang wars, parental expectations, societal change, romance—which causes certain subplots to feel rushed or underdeveloped. The tonal shifts from action to drama sometimes feel abrupt, affecting the overall cohesion.
Audience Response and Box Office Performance
Despite its narrative hiccups, Retro has struck a chord with audiences, particularly fans of Suriya and lovers of high-concept gangster dramas. The film opened strong at the box office and crossed ₹20 crore in revenue within its first weekend. Online reviews highlight both its technical brilliance and performance-driven narrative, even as some call out its overambitious plot.
Final Verdict: An Ambitious Gangster Saga with a Human Heart
Retro is a stylish, emotionally-driven gangster drama that tries to balance violence with vulnerability. While it doesn’t quite hit the mark consistently, it’s elevated by Suriya’s compelling performance, Karthik Subbaraj’s direction, and a few well-executed cinematic moments. For those who enjoy layered storytelling with flawed but memorable characters, Retro offers enough reasons to watch—even if it doesn’t fully reinvent the genre.
