Retro

Retro is signature Karthik Subbaraj-style cinema. It's a love story with a lot of action. Good to see Suriya in top form with this performance. Pooja Hegde is very good at expressing the innocence and emotions required for her role. Jayaram portrays his character with enjoyable comic timing. The sound design and background score really support the film well and are praiseworthy. The songs are enjoyable-especially Kannima, which is well integrated into a 15-minute-long one-take sequence.

That sequence is pure brilliance and not to be missed.

3/3 The movie is divided into different segments, and most of them are well shot and engaging. The 'Cult' plot in the first half felt a bit slow and dull but compensates in the second.

The film does lose the spark momentarily but gets back on track eventually. The characters have been given a pulp fiction treatment through their costume design and development, and it works well within the world of the film.

The color palette and set design are noticeable and vibrant.

The action sequences are good and enjoyable. Overall, Retro is a classy Subbaraj-style storytelling experience, and its execution of a simple yet interesting story along with technical finesse makes it entertaining and fun to watch on screen for most of its runtime. Do give it a watch!

OVERALL 7/10.

"Retro 2025" is primarily a showcase for the undeniable talent of Surya, who delivers a performance that is bound to leave audiences stunned. His portrayal of the character is captivating and powerful, demonstrating his commanding screen presence. Adding to the film's initial appeal is the "Kanimaa" song sequence, a vibrant and memorable portion of the movie with excellent visuals and an infectious soundtrack.

However, despite these significant strengths, "Retro 2025" ultimately struggles to maintain consistent engagement due to an overreliance on action sequences. While initial fight portions may be exciting and showcase Surya's physicality, their sheer volume becomes repetitive and eventually leads to a noticeable dip in viewer interest as the narrative progresses.

The focus on seemingly endless action overshadows other crucial elements of the film, potentially hindering the development of a more nuanced storyline and the exploration of supporting characters. While Surya's dedication to these scenes is evident, their excessive presence detracts from the overall cinematic experience for those who prefer a more balanced blend of action and narrative depth.

In conclusion, "Retro 2025" is a film that benefits immensely from Surya's stunning performance and the memorable "Kanimaa" song. However, viewers should be prepared for a movie that leans heavily into action, which unfortunately becomes its primary drawback, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

I stand with Selvaragavan, After 2020 March the world has changed,Corona has changed the peoples minds, we enjoy only entertainment, we do not bother about the story or stroy line, we come to theatre only to spend our valuable time into a laughable time, but that too we miss it, we miss vivek sir. He too was taken by Corona. This movie is nothing but a childish remake of Ayirathil Oruvan,The original source of the story is the story of Exodus. Santhash Narayanan also didnt do justice for the movie by his music only Ilayarajas songs were used but nothing surpasses Rajinikanths Johnny. We lost our Ice Quarter.

Watched Retro with decent expectations-it looked cool from the trailer, and the idea had promise. The visuals and vibe were pretty solid, and I liked the music. It really tried to give off that gritty retro feel, and some scenes did pull me in, especially in the first half. The lead actor did a good job carrying the story, and the action was alright.

But after a point, it kinda lost me. The pacing slowed down, and it felt like the plot wasn't going anywhere. Some characters didn't feel fully developed, especially the villain-just felt flat and predictable. There were scenes that should've hit hard emotionally, but they didn't land. Felt like it needed tighter writing and maybe a bit more depth.

Overall, not a bad movie, but not great either. It's watchable, especially if you're into dark, stylish thrillers-but don't expect anything too deep or mind-blowing. I'd say it's okay for a one-time watch.

Karthik Subbaraj's latest offering follows in the footsteps of his earlier films-ambitious in length and stuffed with more elements than a buffet plate at a wedding. The story juggles fresh ideas with some relics from the cinematic Stone Age, creating a mix that's uneven but occasionally intriguing.

The narration bears Subbaraj's signature-stylized, layered, and occasionally indulgent. It's a heady cocktail of drama, crime, action, and a social message thrown in for good measure, though not always blended smoothly.

The period setting and costume design, unfortunately, don't do much to transport us. Some scenes are crafted with flair, but much of the film feels like a slow jog through mediocrity.

Surya, ever the dependable performer, delivers yet another stellar turn in the lead. Joju George is excellent, making the most of every frame he appears in. As for Pooja Hegde-let's just say we've set our expectations at sea level, and she comfortably meets them. Blame the makeup team for some unflattering moments, not the mirror. The supporting cast does their job without making much noise.

The background score is decent, though it never soars. Cinematography is competent, with a few standout shots that show visual creativity.

Watch it if the promos got your attention, but leave your expectations at the door. It's not a bad film-just one that settles for being average when it could have aimed higher.