Retro Movie Review: Suriya, Pooja Hegde starrer delivers a mad romance set against gritty action backdrop

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The movie titled “Retro,” featuring Suriya in the main role, is set to premiere on the big screen on May 1, 2025. This production, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is a blend of romance and action, with Pooja Hegde playing the female lead character.

If you’re intending to watch Retro at cinemas this week, be sure to glance over the TopMob review that could be of interest to you!

The Plot

The tale unfolds around Paarivel Kannan, or simply Paari, a man who hasn’t laughed since his youth. Nurtured by a compassionate woman, her spouse gradually perceives Paari as an outsider, eventually exploiting him for his criminal endeavors within a gangster network.

Yet, once smitten by Rukmini, Paari chooses to abandon his turbulent history and strive for tranquility instead. Regrettably, his past still manages to track him down, escalating the conflict further.

The movie delves into if Paari will be able to rekindle his romance and reveals that his true life mission is deeper than first perceived, continuing the narrative further.

The Good

In a Karthik Subbaraj romantic flick like Retro, you’ll find exactly what you’d anticipate – it delivers! Starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, this film masterfully combines action, romance, and laughter in a way that feels both innovative and authentic.

The screenplay and direction are compelling, pulling viewers into the heart of the story’s emotions. The intricately developed characters like Paari, Rukmini, and Thilagan grow with each scene, enriching and seasoning the tale. Furthermore, the clever undertones of absurdity in the plotline heighten the overall enjoyment, keeping viewers hooked.

In every segment of his screenplay, Subbaraj masterfully constructs a compelling narrative. The character of Paari, fueled by profound love, strikes a chord with those who have felt the same depth of emotion, creating an intimate connection that is both heartfelt and powerfully moving.

From a technical perspective, Santhosh Narayanan’s score stands out remarkably. Although the music tracks were well-liked, it’s the background music that really brings the movie to life, making each scene more impactful. The cinematography and editing are both impressive, perfectly accentuating the thrilling action sequences. The film’s blend of hand-to-hand combat and martial arts, including Thai Krabi-Krabong, adds a stunning element to the action.

The Bad

Although Retro provides an interesting plotline, it slips into typical patterns found in Tamil cinema, giving it a sense of familiarity and predictability in terms of its story progression. However, the script manages to maintain cohesiveness throughout. Regrettably, the film experiences a common mid-film slowdown as well.

Furthermore, similarities can be drawn to Jigarthanda DoubleX, effectively used, yet the sincerity of Paari’s bond with his roots appears somewhat inauthentic. Nevertheless, the movie’s overall influence is still strong and unbroken.

The Performances

In the film “Retro,” we have a stellar lineup of actors such as Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, and Joju George. Suriya gives an outstanding performance that rivals his past achievements, while Pooja Hegde showcases her versatility in a role distinct from anything she’s done before.

Pooja’s profound influence on viewers is equally met by Jayaram’s exceptional comic acting, bringing a delightful new flavor to the movie.

See the trailer for Retro:

The Verdict

In “Retro,” starring Suriya as the main character, we find an emotionally charged love narrative that unfolds amidst a vast action landscape. While the initial half delivers a heart-pounding adventure for enthusiasts, the latter part experiences a slight dip in pace.

However, the movie still offers a fun viewing experience and undeniably deserves to be watched on a large screen.

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2025-05-01 12:08