This retro movie review explores Suriya’s powerful performance in Karthik Subbaraj’s 90s gangster drama, highlighting stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes innovations.
As the projector light dimmed and the first frames of “Retro” flickered across the screen, I was transported back to the gritty, vibrant world of 1990s cinema. Karthik Subbaraj’s latest offering isn’t just a film—it’s a time machine wrapped in celluloid, with Suriya as our charismatic guide through a bygone era. This retro movie review explores not just another gangster tale, but a cinematic experience that attempts to capture the essence of an iconic decade in filmmaking.
Table of contents
The Nostalgic Journey of Retro Movie Review
The moment the opening credits roll against Santhosh Narayanan’s pulsating score, “Retro” announces its intentions clearly. Set in the 1990s, the film follows Paarivel Kannan (Suriya), a former gangster trying to escape his violent past after making a promise to his love interest Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). But as with all compelling gangster narratives, the past refuses to stay buried.
What makes this retro movie review different from others is our focus on what appears on screen and the remarkable journey behind it. Shot across the stunning landscapes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ooty, Kerala, and Chennai, the film is as much a visual postcard as it is a narrative experience.
The story unfolds with Paarivel attempting to build a peaceful life, only to find himself pulled back into the underworld he desperately wanted to leave behind. Director Karthik Subbaraj, known for his unique storytelling approach, crafts a tale that blends action, drama, and romance against the backdrop of the colorful yet dangerous 90s gangster world.
Performance That Transcends Time
In our retro movie review, we’ll explore what makes Suriya’s performance the beating heart of this film. As Paarivel Kannan, Suriya delivers a masterclass in controlled intensity. His transformation from a feared gangster to a man seeking redemption is portrayed with nuanced expressions and powerful body language that speaks volumes even in silence.
Pooja Hegde as Rukmini brings a refreshing charm to her role, though her character could have benefited from more development. The chemistry between Suriya and Hegde works in parts, creating moments of genuine emotional connection amidst the chaos of the gangster world.
The supporting cast, including veterans Jayaram and Joju George, deliver solid performances, though they sometimes feel underutilized in the larger narrative. Shriya Saran’s cameo adds a brief but memorable moment to the film’s tapestry of characters.
Technical Brilliance Behind the Scenes
Unlike other movie reviews, we’ll also explore the behind-the-scenes movie production elements that elevate “Retro” beyond ordinary gangster fare. Cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna deserves special mention for his visual storytelling. The film features a remarkable 15-minute single-take sequence that showcases both technical prowess and narrative ingenuity.
The fascinating behind-the-scenes movie production stories include shooting with 100-200 oil lamps for a twilight scene, creating an authentic period atmosphere that digital effects simply cannot replicate. This commitment to practical filmmaking gives “Retro” a tangible quality that enhances its period setting.
Santhosh Narayanan’s music deserves its chapter in this retro movie review. His score blends 90s musical sensibilities with contemporary techniques, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The background score particularly shines during the action sequences, adding emotional weight to Paarivel’s journey.
What Makes This Film Truly “Retro”?
Understanding the retro movie meaning helps viewers appreciate the authentic 1990s aesthetics and storytelling approach. “Retro” isn’t just set in the ’90s—it embraces the filmmaking style of that era. From the color grading that mimics film stock of the period to the deliberate pacing that allows scenes to breathe, Subbaraj has crafted a love letter to 90s cinema.
The production design meticulously recreates the era, from the fashion choices to the vehicles and technology shown on screen. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience that transports viewers back in time, making nostalgic movie reviews focus on how successfully the film recreates this specific time period.
The Narrative Highs and Lows
Where “Retro” truly excels is in its first half, which establishes the world and characters with confidence and style. The action sequences are choreographed with a raw energy that feels authentic to the period, avoiding the over-stylized approach common in contemporary films.
However, as professional movie reviews have noted, the film struggles in its second half with pacing issues and narrative coherence. At 2 hours and 48 minutes, the story sometimes feels stretched, with certain subplots not receiving the resolution they deserve. The muddled storytelling in parts dilutes the impact of what could have been a tighter, more focused narrative.
Box Office and Critical Reception
Released on May 1, 2025, with a budget of approximately ₹650 million ($7.6 million), “Retro” opened to mixed reviews from critics. The film earned Rs 11.77 crore by 4 PM on its release day, showing strong initial audience interest despite the varied critical reception.
| Publication | Rating | Key Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 123Telugu | 2.75/5 | Praised the first half, criticized second half’s narrative |
| Hindustan Times | 3/5 | Praised the first half, criticized the second half’s narrative |
| Our Rating | 3.5/5 | Technical brilliance and Suriya’s performance elevate an uneven script |
Innovative Marketing Approach
One of the most interesting aspects of “Retro” was its unconventional marketing strategy. Instead of traditional promotional methods, the team released comic strips titled “Retro BTS Comic: Episode 1” that showcased production insights. This creative marketing approach reflects the film’s innovative spirit and adds another layer to our retro movie review analysis.
The Final Verdict
In this comprehensive retro movie review, we’ve explored the many facets of Karthik Subbaraj’s ambitious period gangster drama. Despite its narrative flaws, “Retro” stands as a testament to Suriya’s commanding screen presence and the technical excellence of its crew. The film succeeds as both a nostalgic journey and an engaging action drama, even when its storytelling occasionally falters.
For fans of Suriya, South Indian cinema, or period gangster films, “Retro” offers enough memorable moments to warrant a viewing. The film’s strengths—particularly its performances, technical achievements, and period authenticity—outweigh its structural weaknesses, making it a flawed but fascinating addition to 2025’s cinematic landscape.
FAQs
Retro follows Paarivel Kannan (Suriya), a former gangster trying to lead a peaceful life after promising his love interest Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). However, his violent past catches up with him, forcing him back into the criminal world he tried to escape. Set in the 1990s, the film blends action, drama, and romance elements.
Suriya delivers one of his most powerful performances in recent years as Paarivel Kannan. His portrayal of a gangster seeking redemption showcases his range as an actor, with critics unanimously praising his screen presence and emotional depth even when other aspects of the film received mixed reviews.
Yes, especially for fans of Suriya, director Karthik Subbaraj, or period gangster dramas. While the narrative has pacing issues in the second half, the film’s technical excellence, powerful performances, and authentic recreation of the 1990s make it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
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