Retro Movie Review: A Messy Period Drama That Falls Flat
Retro Movie Review
Suriya’s previous theatrical release, Kanguva, failed to impress audiences. Now, his latest film, Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, has hit the screens. The big question is—does it manage to engage viewers? Let’s find out.
Plot Overview
Set between the 1960s and 1990s, Retro follows Parivel Kannan (Suriya), an orphan reluctantly taken in by Tilak Raj (Joju George). Tilak’s wife, Sandhya, grows fond of Parivel, puzzled by his refusal to smile. Tragedy strikes when Sandhya passes away, and Parivel crosses paths with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), who has also lost her mother.
Fourteen years later, they reunite and decide to marry, hoping for a peaceful life elsewhere. However, Parivel hides a secret tied to the “Gold Fish” code, leading Tilak Raj to threaten Rukmini’s life. In retaliation, Parivel attacks Tilak and lands in jail. Upon learning that an enraged Rukmini has fled to an Andaman island, he escapes prison to find her.
The island’s inhabitants, under the rule of Rajavel (Nassar) and his son Michael (Vidhu), believe a man marked with a trident symbol will open their temple doors and bring prosperity. When Parivel arrives, chaos ensues. What is the “Gold Fish” code? Why is the island obsessed with this prophecy? The film attempts to unravel these mysteries.
Retro Movie Review: Analysis
The saying “Too many cooks spoil the broth” perfectly describes Retro. While multiple twists and characters can work, here they only create confusion. The hero must solve one problem, but the film piles on unnecessary subplots—heroine wants him to smile, hero wants her trust, villains keep multiplying—leading to a narrative mess.
Rukmini fleeing to the island, Parivel posing as a “laughing doctor,” and Michael’s cult-like dominance feel forced and unnatural. The action scenes fare better than the awkward humor, but the writing lacks focus. Characters are introduced and discarded without purpose, making the film feel disjointed.
Retro Movie Review: Performances
- Suriya plays a stoic, unsmiling character, but the reason for his demeanor remains unclear and adds little to the story.
- Pooja Hegde is underutilized, with no glamour or depth given to her role.
- Joju George, Nassar, Prakash Raj, and Vidhu appear as villains at different points, but none leave a lasting impact.
Retro Movie Review: Technical Aspects
- Direction (Karthik Subbaraj): The screenplay lacks originality, and the frequent time jumps create confusion.
- Music (Santhosh Narayanan): Forgettable songs and background score.
- Cinematography (Shreyas Krishna): Unremarkable visuals.
- Editing (Shafique Mohammed Ali): Several scenes needed trimming for better pacing.
Retro Movie Review: Verdict
Retro suffers from excessive characters, unnecessary chaos, and weak storytelling. Despite a stellar cast, the film drowns in its own confusion. The climax features a forced laugh—something audiences might relate to, but for all the wrong reasons.
Retro Movie Review: FAQs
1. Is Retro a sequel or prequel to any other film?
No, Retro is a standalone period drama.
2. Does Suriya’s performance save the movie?
Suriya delivers a decent performance, but the weak script overshadows his efforts.
3. Is Pooja Hegde’s role significant?
No, her character lacks depth and screen presence.
4. What is the main issue with Retro?
The film tries to juggle too many subplots, leading to a messy narrative.
5. Is the music memorable?
No, Santhosh Narayanan’s soundtrack is forgettable.
Disclaimer
This review reflects the author’s personal opinion. Viewer discretion is advised. The analysis is based on the theatrical version of Retro, released on May 1, 2025.
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