Suriya makes a stylish return to the big screen with Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, following the underwhelming reception of Kanguva. Set in a nostalgic vintage backdrop, Retro attempts to blend a gritty gangster narrative with a romantic redemption arc. Suriya plays Paarimel, the adopted son of a gangster (played by Joju George), who finds himself torn between the legacy of violence and his desire for a peaceful life with his lover, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde).
However, despite the film’s rich setup and aesthetic, the storytelling struggles to leave a lasting impression. The emotional core of the film feels shallow, especially in the romance subplot, which lacks the intensity needed to drive the story. The movie follows a familiar pattern seen in many Tamil films — the rise of an underdog who eventually confronts his tyrannical father figure — offering little innovation in terms of plot development.
What elevates the film are the slick action scenes and Suriya’s undeniable screen presence. A standout moment is a 15-minute single-take action sequence that sets the tone early. Technically, Retro impresses with Santhosh Narayanan’s compelling background score and Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography, which beautifully captures the retro mood and visuals. Unfortunately, these elements can’t fully compensate for a script that feels undercooked.
Supporting actors like Jayaram, Joju George, and Vidhyashankar Neelamegham do their part, but their characters are not fleshed out enough to resonate. The film had ambitious themes, including resistance and democratic ideals, but they remain superficial and disconnected from the main narrative. In the end, Retro is more about style than substance. While it may appeal to hardcore Suriya fans due to his charisma and action moments, it lacks the narrative depth to be truly memorable.
