Suriya shines in Retro Movie, Karthik Subbaraj’s bold Tamil film blending romance, redemption, and action. A genre-bending experiment that mostly pays off.
🎬 Retro Movie Review: Suriya Powers a Bold Tamil Experiment by Karthik Subbaraj
Published: May 1, 2025 | By QuickNews Press
What Happens When Mass Meets Meaning?
Karthik Subbaraj’s Retro Movie, which was released in theatres today, teams up with Tamil cinema icon Suriya for the first time—and the result is a fascinating blend of heart, heat, and high style. Shot across picturesque locations like the Andamans, Kerala, and Chennai, the film uses a retro-styled backdrop to tell a deeply modern tale of love and redemption.
🎭 Suriya’s Performance: An Actor in Full Command
At the heart of Retro lies a career-defining performance from Suriya. He plays a gangster turned lover, navigating the painful terrain of regret and transformation. There’s no gimmick here—just a raw, focused portrayal that makes even the quieter scenes pulsate with intensity.
Whether he’s delivering emotional monologues or engaging in high-octane chases, Suriya owns every frame. Critics and fans alike are calling this one of his most mature performances to date.
🎥 Direction: Karthik Subbaraj Experiments Again, Bravely
Karthik Subbaraj has always had a knack for bending genres (Jigarthanda, Petta), and Retro is no exception. This time, he goes all in on style, using vintage textures, symbolic visuals, and a non-linear narrative to explore themes of identity, guilt, and second chances.
It’s a bold choice, and while the storytelling occasionally dips into excess, the ambition is undeniable. The film walks a tightrope between arthouse and mainstream cinema—and nearly pulls it off.
🎶 Soundtrack: Santhosh Narayanan Strikes a Nostalgic Chord
Santhosh Narayanan returns with a soundtrack that blends melody and mood with precision. Songs like “Kannadi Poove” and “Kanimaa” are already trending, and the background score amplifies the film’s emotional undercurrents beautifully.
🎧 Key Highlights:
- “Kannadi Poove”: A soulful ballad with 90s texture.
- “Retro Rage”: A high-tempo instrumental used during action scenes.
- “Kanimaa”: A haunting love theme that lingers.
🧑🤝🧑 Supporting Cast: Strong Ensemble Holds Ground
Pooja Hegde brings both grace and grit to her role, offering a compelling counterbalance to Suriya’s brooding intensity. Joju George, Jayaram, and Nasser lend solid support, especially in the film’s morally murky flashbacks.
💹 Box Office Buzz: Retro Starts Strong
- Opening Day Collection (India): ₹12.5 crore
- Tamil Nadu Advance Bookings: Over 2 lakh tickets sold
- International Response: Trending in Malaysia and the Gulf
Given the buzz, Retro is poised to dominate the box office this weekend.
📝 Critics React: Bold But Divisive
| Source | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Pinkvilla | 3.5/5 | “Stylish and emotional” |
| India Today | 2.5/5 | “Bold idea, uneven execution” |
| Hindustan Times | 3/5 | “Suriya anchors a shaky script” |
| The Federal | Positive | “A rare mix of mass and soul” |
While not universally praised, the film has sparked vibrant discussions among critics and audiences.
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Retro is not your typical commercial film.
- Suriya delivers one of his best performances.
- Subbaraj’s storytelling may divide viewers.
- Visually, the film is a treat.
- Worth watching for fans of layered narratives.
📌 FAQs About Retro
Q1: What is the storyline of Retro Movie?
Retro Movie follows a former gangster seeking redemption through love, set against a stylized retro backdrop and framed with a non-linear narrative.
Q2: Is Retro Movie a mass entertainer?
Not entirely. While it has action and big moments, the film leans more toward emotional depth and character study.
Q3: Where can I watch Retro Movie online?
Netflix has acquired the digital streaming rights. Expect a release within 30-45 days of the theatrical debut.
Q4: How long is the film?
The runtime is 2 hours and 38 minutes.
Q5: Is Retro Movie connected to any other Subbaraj film?
No direct connection, but it shares thematic similarities with Jigarthanda and Petta.
🧭 Want More Film Reviews Like This?
Check out our review of http://Viduthalai Part 2 — another powerful Tamil release that blends ideology with action.
📣 Final Word + Call to Action
Retro may not be flawless, but it’s undeniably courageous. It’s a film that asks its audience to feel rather than judge, to sit with emotion rather than race through plot. And with Suriya at the helm, it becomes more than just another Tamil movie—it becomes an experience.
Retro trailer — https://youtu.be/-FrvnEFISWY?si=nuV8YEHngCfoP3Gb
👇 Have you watched Retro yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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