Retro (2025) [Movie Review] – A Stylish Collision of Myth and Mayhem

Karthik Subbaraj’s Retro plunges viewers into a mythic underworld where destiny and devotion collide. From a spiritual prologue invoking Lord Krishna to visceral arena battles, the film establishes a rich tapestry of belief and brutality in its opening moments.

Plot Overview

Groomed by gangster Thilagan (Joju George) after being rescued as a scar-marked child, Paarivel Kannan (Suriya) is hailed by an oppressed island community as their destined savior. His pacifist girlfriend, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), urges him to renounce violence and embrace compassion. Yet Paari’s birthmark—reminiscent of a peacock feather—and his uncanny prowess in battle suggest a fated path of bloodshed rather than peace.

Clash of Fate and Free Will

At the heart of Retro lies the tension between Paari’s gentle aspirations and the violent legacy thrust upon him. Rukmini’s unwavering belief in nonviolence challenges Paari to choose kindness over carnage, even as his “Krishna-like” destiny demands he liberate the oppressed through lethal means. This moral tug-of-war sustains the film’s emotional core, keeping us invested in every choice he makes.

Writing and Pacing

Subbaraj weaves multiple narrative strands—a coveted “gold fish” that sparks betrayal, a tyrannical cult led by King (Vidhu), and the islanders’ messianic faith—into the primary conflict. While the ambition is commendable, the second half sometimes buckles under its own creative weight. Certain twists feel overextended, and a climax echoing Jigarthanda Double X lacks the impact intended. Additionally, Rukmini’s recurrent breakups with Paari could benefit from deeper emotional grounding.

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Cinematic Flair

Despite occasional narrative crests and troughs, Retro dazzles with technical bravado. Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography bathes a dance-infused single-take sequence in luminous glory, while a high-stakes action set in bioluminescent waters offers otherworldly beauty. These set pieces, alongside Subbaraj’s confident direction, transform potential rough edges into exhilarating cinema.

Stellar Performances

Suriya anchors the film with magnetic intensity, seamlessly toggling between serene lover and fearsome warrior. His performance feels refreshingly earnest, free from the artifice that crept into some of his recent roles. Pooja Hegde brings vulnerability and conviction to Rukmini, making her pacifism feel genuine. Joju George’s Thilagan looms large as both mentor and manipulator, adding complexity to the surrogate father–son bond.

Rhythmic Resonance

Santhosh Narayanan’s score pulsates through every frame, with foot-tapping songs and a rousing background track that bolster the film’s highs and cushion its lows. The music underscores Paari’s inner turmoil, amplifying the stakes whenever violence erupts or hope flickers.

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Final Verdict

Retro may stumble in its latter half, but Subbaraj’s audacious vision, combined with Suriya’s powerhouse turn and technical marvels, make it a thrilling ride. When the writing aligns with the filmmaking flair, it promises cinematic fireworks. Despite its imperfections, Retro stands out as an inventive fusion of romance, action, and spirituality—worthy of a spot on every Tamil-thriller enthusiast’s watch list.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5)