There are movies you watch for entertainment. Then there are films like Retro, which feel like the director locked himself in a room, scribbled storylines on the wall, and dared the audience to keep up.
Directed by the famously unconventional Karthik Subbaraj, Retro is a sprawling, genre-jumping ride that’s either a misunderstood masterpiece or a complete mess — depending on who you ask. What’s clear, though? Retro doesn’t play it safe. And it doesn’t care if you’re ready.
A Gangster Tale With a Twist… and Then Some
At the heart of Retro is Paarivel “Paari” Kannan (played by Suriya), a man with no name, no past, and too many scars. Raised by the widow of a gangster, Paari is shaped by the streets, moulded by violence, and haunted by questions about who he really is. You’d expect a gritty gangster revenge story from there, and for a while, that’s exactly what Retro gives you. But just as you settle in, the film switches lanes.
Suddenly, there’s a prophecy. A mysterious cult. A decades-old love story. And a flashback within a flashback that somehow changes everything. It’s cinematic whiplash — sometimes thrilling, sometimes exhausting.
Karthik Subbaraj: A Genius or Just Overdoing It?
Karthik Subbaraj has never been shy about experimenting. Jigarthanda, Iraivi, Mahaan — all stand as proof that he thrives on bending genre rules. But in Retro, he may have pushed the envelope too far. The idea is compelling. A man trying to piece together his fractured identity while navigating love, crime, and destiny? Sounds like gold.
But in execution, the narrative becomes tangled. There are too many threads, too many tonal shifts, and just not enough clarity. At times, the film feels like it’s trying to juggle too many genres — romantic drama, gangster thriller, spiritual myth — without letting any of them breathe.
The second half, in particular, loses its grip. The pacing wobbles. Emotional beats feel rushed. And scenes that should’ve landed with power end up buried under exposition. Some call it layered storytelling. Others call it chaos in slow motion.
But Then There’s Suriya
If there’s one reason to sit through Retro, it’s Suriya. His transformation into Paari is intense, soulful, and fiercely magnetic. He doesn’t speak much, but when he does, it lands. His silences, stares, and simmering anger speak volumes. Whether he’s nursing wounds or delivering justice, he commands every frame.
Pooja Hegde, too, delivers a restrained and moving performance as Rukmini. Their chemistry feels organic, even if the writing sometimes underserves their bond. And Joju George? A chaotic force. His performance is menacing in the best way possible.
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Visually and Sonically: A Treat
Whatever the film lacks in narrative clarity, it makes up for in sheer atmosphere. Cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna paints every frame with mood. The dry, dusty towns of Tamil Nadu. The misty madness of Andaman. Each location is treated like a character of its own.
Santhosh Narayanan’s music deserves its review. The haunting tracks, the thumping background score, and especially “Kanimaa”—they” all elevate the emotional quotient. When the film fires on all cylinders — the music swelling, the camera circling, Suriya walking in slow motion — it feels electric.
The Great Divide
The audience reaction has been exactly what you’d expect for a film like this: polarising. One half of the viewers see Retro as a daring, thought-provoking cinematic experience — a puzzle that challenges its audience. The other half? Not so forgiving. For them, it’s a self-indulgent film that tries to say too much and ends up saying too little. And honestly? Both sides have a point.
Final Verdict
Retro is the kind of movie that will stay with you, not because it’s perfect, but because it dares. It dares to be different, it dares to be messy, and in a world of formulaic cinema, maybe that’s enough.
But be warned: this is not your typical gangster flick. It’s more like a dream that you can’t fully decode — beautiful, dark, and just slightly out of reach. If you like your cinema safe and simple, skip this. But if you enjoy the madness of ambition, give Retro a try. Just don’t expect to walk out with all the answers.
Writer – Subham Choudhary