Hi friends! A big review for Suriya fans, Tamil movie lovers, and especially our Telugu people! Suriya's latest movie Retro, a romantic action drama directed by Karthik Subbaraj, was released in theaters on May 1, 2025. This gangster love story set in the 90s features Suriya along with stars like Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Jayaram, and Prakash Raj. With music by Santosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyas Krishna, this film has come with high expectations. Did Suriya's mass energy and Karthik's style mesmerize us? Or did something make a difference? Let's see in this review with full details, actors' performances, and deep analysis, are you ready?
What is the story?
The retro story takes place in 90s Chennai, with Suriya Parivel playing the role of Kannan alias Pari. Raised as the adopted son of gangster Thilakan (Joju George), Pari wants to give up his criminal life for his lover Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). Rukku, a veterinary doctor, is set to marry Pari. But, old enemies, goldfish deal secrets, and a conflict with Thilakan derail his plans. Jail life, a search for Rukku in the Andaman Islands, a mysterious ‘Jadamuni’ twist—this story is full of love, action, emotion, and comedy. But, did this rollercoaster ride fully engage the audience? That’s the point of this review!
Deep Analysis: What does the film say?
Retro is not just a gangster love story, it has deep themes of love, redemption, family bonds, and a journey to overcome past mistakes. Deconstructing the film reveals some key points:
Suriya, as Pari, wants to leave the gangster life for his love (Rukku), but loyalty to Thilakan pulls him back. This conflict is reminiscent of family-duty themes in our Telugu films like Ala Vaikunthapuramulo. Suriya portrays this dilemma brilliantly with his expressions. The film celebrates the culture of the 90s with hippie fashion, disco songs, and gang wars. However, these elements feel forced at times, for example the track ‘Rubber Cult’. This theme reflects the 90s vibe of Telugu films like Mana Josh.
The core of the story is Pari wanting to get rid of her past mistakes and start a new life with Rukku. However, the emotional impact is slightly reduced as the journey slows down in the second half. Karthik Subbaraj fails to deliver the emotional depth of Petta here. Karthik Subbaraj tries his trademark Quentin Tarantino style—chapter-based narration, stylish fights, colorful visuals—but the film fails to connect fully due to the lack of novelty in the story and the confusion of subplots. [Onmanorama]
Cinematography, sound design, action choreography are top-notch. Surya's stunts and Santosh's score in the single shot sequence give a Hollywood level feel. But, lags in editing slow down the pace of the film.
Actors' Performance
Surya is the backbone of this film! His dual looks—a rough gangster with a mallet hair, a poo manchu mustache, and a soft lover with short hair—are super stylish. Energy in the action scenes, charm in the romantic moments with Rukku, and emotional depth in the climax—all are amazing. Especially in the jail scenes, his body language and dialogue delivery give goosebumps. "Without Surya, this film would have been flat," wrote the Times of India.
Pooja Hegde impresses with her glamour and grace. Her emotional scenes as Rukku, especially the dialogue exchange with Surya in the climax, touch the heart. But, the scope of her role is a little less, and it would have been better if there was more depth. Joju George gave a serious, intense performance as the villain. His screen presence and conflict scenes with Surya added strength to the film. But, his backstory feels a little weak.
Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Nasser, Sathyaraj played their roles well. Jayaram's comedy and Prakash Raj's serious moments gave balance to the film. But, some of the supporting characters feel underwritten.
Highlights: What's good?
Surya Showstealer: Surya carried this film on his shoulders! As a badass gangster in action scenes, as a charming lover in romantic scenes, as a heartbreaking hero in emotional scenes—all superb. The 15-minute single-shot action-dance sequence is a hit in theatres. “Surya alone drives the film,” says a Hindustan Times review.
90s retro vibe: Karthik Subbaraj has stylishly recreated 90s Chennai. Hippie culture, vintage bikes, flashy costumes, mallet hairstyles—the visuals give off a sense of nostalgia. Shreyas Krishna’s cinematography and art direction capture this era perfectly.
Santosh Narayanan’s music: The song ‘Kanima’ has become a chartbuster with over 40 million views on YouTube. This song gives full energy in the theaters. The background score connects well with the action and emotional scenes.
First Half Fire: The first part is super engaging! Surya-Pooja love track, action blocks, interval twist keep the fans hyped. You can't help but whistle after watching this part!
Technical Brilliance: Shreyas Krishna's cinematography, Santosh Narayanan's score, Vivek Harshan's editing—the technical team has elevated the film. Goosebumps are guaranteed in Dolby Atmos sound in the scenes and IMAX!
Low Points: What made the difference?
Second Half Slow: As fast as the first half is, the second half feels as slow. Subplots like 'Jadamuni Mystery' and 'Rubber Cult' divert the story. Some fans of X commented that "the second half was boring".
Screenplay confusion: Karthik Subbaraj tries his trademark non-linear style, chapter-based narration, but some comedy tracks and unnecessary scenes seem to get in the way. The emotional connection is a bit lacking, says a review by Onmanorama.
Length Runtime: 168 minutes (almost 3 hours) The runtime has increased. A user on X wrote that the pace of the film would have been better if there had been tight editing.
Lack of novelty: We have seen the gangster-redemption theme in Surya films like Kakka Kakka and Pithamagan. Fans who were expecting a fresh story like Jigarthanda and Petta from Karthik Subbaraj are disappointed.
Rating: 3.5/5
A full paisa vasool experience for retro Surya fans! Suriya's amazing performance, 90s nostalgia, 'Kanima' song, first half josh, technical brilliance made this movie worth enjoying in the theater. But, the second half slow narration, unoriginal story, and confusing screenplay were a bit disappointing. This movie will connect well with our Telugu youth who love mass action and romantic drama, but if you are expecting a classic hit level like Ghajini, you may miss it. Whistle at the theater with friends and family, or catch it on Netflix!