Retro

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.

Surya as "THE ONE"-an orphan with a Trishul birthmark and a destiny bigger than his brooding face-steals the show in this wild, episodic ride. The film's tagline promises Love, Laughter, War, and boy, do we get that... plus two more additions: Cult and Dhamam, which felt somewhat grafted on, diluting the initial focus.

Surya's going through, like, a really cool changes in this flick. There's the intense into the void zone, the "Anjala" reject, a rage-filled guy, someone trying way too hard to be funny (clown zone), the saviour type, and then straight-up God mode! Seriously, it's been ages since we've seen him this range, and honestly, he's the only reason this whole movie wasn't a complete snore-fest

Okay, so the coolest but also kinda messed up part? Watching Paari's journey from being treated like he's absolutely nobody, like he's invisible trash to everyone around him, to becoming the guy calling all the shots and finally finding what he's meant to do.

Now, about that ending-"Dei Subbu, how could you end it THERE?!" (Yes, I heard that in the theatre too.) But hey, it still wraps up well, and there are those extra scenes after the credits roll.

Okay, so not gonna sugar-coat it, this movie was a mess in parts. Pooja Hegde failed at attempting gravitas and all deep and meaningful. And that "rustic" makeup? Seriously looked like someone smeared her face with instant coffee! LOL. Total buzzkill. I just sat there thinking, "Man, they really couldn't find anyone else for this role?" And the villain more like a buffoon. What a joke! Just made the second half even worst. The music? Meh, felt like Santosh Narayan just recycled some old or rejected tunes from earlier films especially "Karnan." And that "Cult" episode? Officially the worst part of the film. The film also tried to be all clever with the social commentary and mythology, but it mostly just face-planted. You just wish the writing and everything else had half the effort Surya put in.

Ultimately, Karthick Subbaraj wants us to, like, engage with its deliberate, if uneven, resolution. There's this definite cerebral current, these thematic gestures, a message being attempted. You appreciate the intent. But you can't help thinking, with more developed context, a deeper emotional anchor, Chubbu's could've knocked this one out of the park. Still, gotta hand it to Surya, he's just there. He Makes "Retro" worth a look, a decent hang, for sure.

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.

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.

The 2hr 40min film narrates the story of a traumatized and orphaned kid with deep seething anger management issues and abandonment issues. In the process of getting approval from his step-father, the male lead- "Paarivel" acted by veteran actor surya turns to violence which he later tries to abandon once and for all to be with his love interest , the female lead Rukmini"" whose role as a goody two shoes is portrayed by rising actress Pooja Hegde. While Paarivel had all the right intentions to become non-violent, he followed all the wrong methods.

I could not wrap my mind around why his fiance was never interested in knowing about the ill fated relationship between step-father and the step-son yet always blamed the male lead for often resorting to violence even though he was doing all of it to protect her. To top it off, he was not some misunderstood poor guy either. He constantly lied through his teeth to get her approval even though she gave him several chances. You'd think the male lead finally got himself into THERAPY, instead he doubles down on his alcohol driven violence and gets himself into a CULT!

His birthstory secrets were very predictable and nothing over the top. The antagonists roles were just cookie cutter versions- the ones our grandparents, our parents and we saw growing up- A very predictable and notorious Gang dad who raises his son to be violent and that son thinks he's "too cool" for anything and throws in random english words. All these does not make him seem edgy. He looked desperate and very out of touch. Would appreciate if he went out to go touch some grass.

Getting back to the finale which was the most predictable yet the most artificial part of the whole movie. I expected all the antagonists to get killed in a bloodbath fight sequel in almost every movie climax that has been featured for as long as i can remember but instead they all join the marriage ceremony of the two leads and call it "Happily ever after". The creative constipation and half baked narrative destroyed the potential that the musical and casts brought in. Its worth watching once. You will definitely like it if you are the actors fan. Eitherways i thank you for sticking around to read this review. I hope you have a good day.