Retro (2025) Movie Movies4u

Retro brings together director Karthik Subbaraj and superstar Suriya in their first collaboration. This romantic action thriller marks Suriya’s 44th film and was produced by Stone Bench Creations and 2D Entertainment. The film hit theaters on May 1, 2025, creating significant buzz in Indian cinema.

The story follows Paarivel Paari Kannan, an orphan raised by a gangster who faces betrayal and violence. The film features Pooja Hegde as the female lead, alongside Jayaram, Joju George, Nasser, and Prakash Raj. The technical team includes music by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna.

Retro Movie Actors

Plot and Storyline

The narrative follows a non-linear approach, segmenting the story across different phases of Paari’s life. The film attempts to merge a gritty gangster tale with a love story, though neither arc feels fully developed. The plot revolves around Paari’s internal conflict between his violent past and desire for peace.

The central premise involves a gangster trying to avoid violence after vowing to his wife. However, the film falters in balancing its emotional depth, never fully committing to exploring the conflict between love and violence.

Cast Performances

Suriya delivers what many consider a powerful comeback performance after a brief hiatus. He carries the film on his shoulders, shining in emotional moments and transitioning effortlessly into action sequences. His portrayal of Paari showcases both vulnerability and intensity.

Pooja Hegde receives praise for her career-best performance. She brings depth and authenticity to Rukmini, forming the emotional backbone with her chemistry with Suriya. The supporting cast, especially Joju George and Jayaram, provides solid backing to the narrative.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Karthik Subbaraj’s direction showcases his signature style, emphasizing visual flair and technical excellence. The film offers stylish action but lacks freshness in story execution. The director prioritizes style over substance, creating stunning visuals that don’t always serve the narrative.

The production values are solid and the film looks visually polished. The cinematography captures the retro aesthetic beautifully, with particular praise for night seashore sequences. The music by Santhosh Narayanan receives widespread acclaim, especially the Kannima song.

My Review Experience

I found the first half engaging with its focus on character development and romance. The emotional moments between Suriya and Pooja felt genuine and well-crafted. However, the second half disappointed me with its convoluted approach to action sequences.

The technical brilliance is undeniable – the mirror scenes and single-shot sequences are impressive. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that the film prioritizes spectacle over storytelling. The length becomes apparent, and I found myself checking the time during certain segments.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Retro holds a 6.9 rating on IMDb, indicating mixed reception from audiences. The film has generated polarizing reviews, with critics praising technical aspects while criticizing narrative execution. Some critics rated it 2/5, describing it as clumsy and confusing.

User reviews express frustration, with some calling it poorly directed. However, early reviews were highly positive, describing it as a thriller with top-notch performance. This disparity reflects the film’s uneven execution.

What Works

Suriya’s commanding performance stands out as the film’s biggest strength. The technical highlights including mirror scenes and the Kannima song are impressive. The production values and visual aesthetics create a polished viewing experience.

The background score enhances dramatic moments effectively. The art direction and action choreography show professional craftsmanship throughout.

What Could Be Better

The story lacks emotional depth despite attempts to merge genres. Pacing issues particularly affect the second half experience. The narrative structure becomes confusing and affects overall coherence.

I felt the film’s length could have been trimmed for better impact. Character development for supporting cast members needed more attention.

Box Office Performance

The film achieved the highest sale rate ever for a Tamil film in the year. Booking sites crashed due to high traffic, demonstrating massive anticipation. Netflix acquired streaming rights for a record price of ₹80 crore.

The film began streaming on Netflix from May 30, 2025, extending its global reach.

Final Verdict

Retro stands as a technically proficient film that showcases visual storytelling and Suriya’s acting prowess. While it creates moments of genuine impact and stunning sequences, it struggles with narrative coherence and pacing.

For Suriya fans and those who appreciate stylized filmmaking, it offers entertainment value despite flaws. However, viewers seeking tightly woven narratives might find themselves disappointed. The film represents both potential and pitfalls of contemporary Tamil cinema’s emphasis on style over substance.