Retro Movie Review: Suriya’s Ambitious Drama Falls Flat

Following the lukewarm reception of Suriya’s previous theatrical release, Kanguva, anticipation was high for Retro to see if it could win over audiences. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, Retro hit theaters on May 1, 2025, with a promise of a compelling narrative. This Retro Movie Review examines whether the film lives up to expectations, delving into its plot, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact.

Retro Movie Review: Plot Overview

Set between the 1960s and 1990s, Retro follows Parivel Kannan (Suriya), an orphan who never smiles, a trait that troubles Sandhya (Tilak Raj’s wife), who takes him under her wing despite her husband Tilak Raj’s (Joju George) disapproval. Meanwhile, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde) loses her mother, and a chance encounter brings her and Parivel together. Fourteen years later, the two reunite, fall in love, and decide to marry, dreaming of a peaceful life elsewhere.

Parivel, fearing for Tilak Raj’s safety, hides their valuable consignment under the code “Gold Fish.” When Tilak Raj threatens Rukmini’s life to uncover the consignment’s location, Parivel severs Tilak’s hand and lands in jail. Learning that Rukmini, angered by his actions, has fled to an island in the Andamans, Parivel escapes prison to find her.

On the island, the locals live under the control of Rajavel (Nassar) and his son Michael (Viddhu). They believe a man bearing a trident mark will unlock their temple’s doors, bringing prosperity. Parivel’s arrival on this perilous island raises questions: What challenges await him? Is he the prophesied savior? What is the secret behind the “Gold Fish” code? The Retro Web Series Review unravels these mysteries, though not without flaws.

Retro Movie Review: Analysis

As the Telugu saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the broth,” and Retro exemplifies this. The film’s overcrowded narrative, packed with excessive twists and characters, dilutes its impact. While ambition drives the story, the sheer volume of subplots—Parivel’s stoic demeanor, Rukmini’s quest for his smile, Tilak Raj’s vendetta, and the island’s cult-like dynamics—overwhelms the core storyline. This scattershot approach ensures no single thread receives the depth it deserves, a common pitfall in films with similar narrative overreach.

The hero’s central conflict should ideally revolve around one major issue, but Retro burdens Parivel with multiple problems, causing the story to meander aimlessly. For instance, Rukmini’s desire to see Parivel smile feels trivial against the backdrop of violent action sequences, which, ironically, are more engaging than the contrived “laughing classes” on the island. The lack of well-defined characters further hampers the film, with many roles feeling like afterthoughts, hastily introduced and discarded.

Retro Movie Review: Performances

Suriya delivers a restrained performance as Parivel, embodying a man distanced from joy. However, the film’s explanation for his stoicism is vague and fails to justify its narrative weight, leaving his character underdeveloped. Pooja Hegde’s Rukmini is underutilized, with the 1990s setting limiting her to a subdued, non-glamorous role that lacks spark. The ensemble cast, including Joju George, Prakash Raj, Nassar, and Jayaram, is impressive but squandered. The script juggles multiple antagonists—Tilak Raj, Prakash Raj, Nassar, and Michael—without establishing a clear primary villain, resulting in a cluttered conflict that confuses rather than captivates. As the Retro Movie Review highlights, the talented cast is let down by a chaotic script.

Retro Movie Review: Direction and Technical Aspects

Karthik Subbaraj’s direction, while ambitious, lacks the freshness seen in his earlier works. The timeline shifts rapidly, with years flashing across the screen, creating confusion about the story’s temporal setting. This disjointed pacing undermines the narrative’s coherence. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score is serviceable, adding intensity to action scenes, but the songs are forgettable, with lyrics that feel like an afterthought, reminiscent of dubbed film soundtracks. Shreyas Krishna’s cinematography captures the island’s mystique adequately, but Shafique Mohammed Ali’s editing falters, with several scenes begging for tighter cuts to maintain momentum.

Retro Movie Review: Verdict

Retro is a film brimming with potential but crippled by excess—too many characters, too much chaos, and too little focus. Despite a stellar cast, including Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, and Nassar, the convoluted storyline leaves audiences as bewildered as the characters’ forced laughter in the climax. The Retro Movie Review concludes that while the film’s action sequences and Suriya’s earnest performance offer fleeting moments of engagement, its narrative disarray makes it a forgettable addition to Telugu cinema.

Movie Details

• Name: Retro
• Release Date: May 1, 2025
• Cast: Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Joju George, Nassar, Prakash Raj
• Director: Karthik Subbaraj
• Music: Santhosh Narayanan
• Banner: 2D Entertainment, Stone Bench

Retro Movie Review: FAQs

1. What is the plot of Retro?
Retro is a period drama set between the 1960s and 1990s, following Parivel (Suriya), an orphan who hides a valuable consignment under the “Gold Fish” code. His journey takes him to a mysterious island where locals await a prophesied savior.

2. Who are the main actors in Retro?
The film stars Suriya as Parivel, Pooja Hegde as Rukmini, with Joju George, Prakash Raj, Nassar, and Jayaram in key roles.

3. Is Retro worth watching?
While Retro boasts a talented cast and engaging action sequences, its convoluted plot and excessive subplots may disappoint viewers seeking a cohesive story.

4. How is Suriya’s performance in Retro?
Suriya delivers a sincere performance as the stoic Parivel, but the script’s lack of depth limits his character’s impact.

5. What are the major flaws in Retro?
The film suffers from an overcrowded narrative, poorly defined characters, and a lack of focus, making it difficult to follow.

Disclaimer

This Retro Movie Review is based on an objective analysis of the film’s content, performances, and technical aspects. Opinions expressed reflect the reviewer’s perspective and may differ from individual viewer experiences. The review aims to provide factual insights and does not intend to influence personal opinions about the film.

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