Suriya’s much-anticipated film Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, hit theaters on May 1, 2025, marking the actor’s comeback after Kanguva. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, the film attempts to blend romance and action, with Suriya portraying a former gangster striving to lead a peaceful life, while Pooja Hegde plays his love interest.
Plot Overview
Retro centers on Paarivel, aka Paari (Suriya), an orphan with a violent past, who is forcefully adopted by Thilak. His lover, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), agrees to marry him on the condition that he leaves his bloody past behind. However, circumstances compel him to return to his old ways to protect his estranged wife.
Critical Reception
The film has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rated Retro 15 for “strong bloody violence,” “language,” and “threat,” indicating an intense action film.
The Times of India noted that the film opens with blockbuster reviews, highlighting Suriya’s retro look and a unique 15-minute single-take sequence.
However, M9 News criticized the film, stating, “BOTTOM LINE: Joke On Audience,” and rated it 1.75/5, pointing out issues with the screenplay and narration.
Audience Reactions
On social media, reactions have been varied. Some fans appreciated the first half’s drama, dance, and action, while others found the second half to be a “dragged screenplay” with “poor dialogue.”
A fan tweeted, “First half is good. Second half, ultimate commercial product. We are winning this one @Suriya_offl.” Another mentioned, “Retro – Music director Santosh Narayan @Music_Santhosh delivers awesome BGM for this Suriya film.”
Performances and Technical Aspects
Suriya’s performance has been widely praised, with fans lauding his action sequences and emotional depth. Pooja Hegde’s portrayal of Rukmini adds a romantic layer to the film. The film’s music, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, stands out, especially the background score that complements the intense scenes.
Retro is an ambitious attempt to blend nostalgia with modern action. While it succeeds in certain areas, like performances and music, it falters in screenplay and pacing. For fans of Suriya and action dramas set in the 90s, it offers moments of brilliance amidst its flaws.
Rating: 3.5/5
