Retro Movie Review
In Retro, director Karthik Subbaraj delivers a captivating and layered film, with a standout performance by Suriya. The movie balances entertainment with thought-provoking themes like love, purpose, and the costs of war, offering both action and depth. As we delve into the story, we see how Suriya’s role enhances the narrative, even as the film explores deeper questions about life and society.
Suriya Takes the Lead in Retro: An Entertaining Yet Philosophical Exploration
Karthik Subbaraj’s Retro is a multi-faceted film that combines compelling action with philosophical introspection. The movie presents Suriya in a role that’s both intense and emotional, set within a narrative that addresses important political themes. While some aspects of the film may feel repetitive or overly ambitious, Suriya’s performance is a key factor in its success.
The Plot of Retro: A Journey From Fate to Purpose
Retro opens with a narration about Lord Krishna, setting the stage for the story of Paari, a young man raised by gangster Thilagan (Joju George) and his wife Sandhya (Swasika). Paari’s transformation into a key figure in the world of crime leads to conflict and love, particularly with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). Their love, though intense, is fraught with complications, as Paari is torn between loyalty to his adoptive father and the woman he loves.
Subbaraj skillfully transitions the plot from Tuticorin to Madurai’s prisons and ultimately to the Andaman Islands, symbolizing Paari’s evolution. This journey mirrors the director’s past work in the Jigarthanda franchise, where each film explores a deeper societal transformation. In this sense, Retro can be seen as the next step in Karthik Subbaraj’s storytelling journey.
Suriya’s Performance: A Tour De Force
Suriya’s portrayal of Paari is a masterclass in acting. He brings emotional complexity to his character, effortlessly shifting between brooding intensity, vulnerability, and moments of tenderness. Paari’s journey—marked by love, loss, and a quest for purpose—is anchored by Suriya’s nuanced performance. His emotional highs and lows make Paari’s journey feel authentic, and it’s clear that Suriya fully invests in this role.
The chemistry between Paari and Rukmini initially works well, especially during a flashback sequence that deepens their relationship. However, as the plot progresses to the Andaman Island scenes, Rukmini’s character feels somewhat underdeveloped. While Pooja Hegde delivers a convincing performance, the lack of complexity in her character’s motivations detracts from the emotional impact of these later scenes.
Exploring Themes of Purpose, Love, and War in Retro
At its core, Retro is a reflection on purpose and destiny. Paari’s evolution from a product of his environment to a man seeking something greater speaks to the film’s deeper philosophical themes. Subbaraj uses Paari’s transformation to explore ideas of revolution, justice, and societal change. The tagline ‘Love, Laughter, and War’ aptly captures the essence of the film, though the complex layering of these themes occasionally results in moments that feel overly ambitious.
While the film tackles multiple themes—such as love, loyalty, and societal upheaval—the storytelling sometimes feels like it is trying to juggle too many ideas at once. Some of the action-packed sequences in the latter half of the film, set in the Andaman Islands, feel excessive and distracting from the deeper narrative themes.
A Bold Approach to Storytelling: Experimental and Unpredictable
What sets Retro apart is Subbaraj’s bold approach to storytelling. He doesn’t shy away from exploring unconventional themes and incorporating fantastical elements, such as mythical creatures and a valuable ‘Golden Fish.’ While these quirks serve to enhance the film’s unpredictability, they sometimes feel disconnected from the core story.
The film’s second half, especially the sequences set in Andaman, introduces chaotic elements that don’t always land with the same impact as the earlier, more grounded parts. Yet, these eccentricities serve as a commentary on the absurdity of war and the exploitation of power. Subbaraj’s attempt to weave these ideas into the narrative is admirable, even if it occasionally sacrifices coherence.
Technical Mastery: Cinematography, Music, and Editing
The technical team behind Retro does a remarkable job bringing Subbaraj’s vision to life. Cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna captures the intensity of the story through stunning visuals, while editor Shafique Mohammed Ali ensures the pacing remains tight, despite the film’s complex narrative structure. Composer Santhosh Narayanan provides an energetic score, with some standout tracks, including a tribute to Ilaiyaraaja’s music, adding depth to key emotional moments.
However, the film’s indulgence in bizarre action and fantasy elements occasionally detracts from its overall impact. The mishmash of genres—ranging from war films to mystical adventures—creates a tonal inconsistency that prevents the climax from delivering the same emotional punch as Subbaraj’s previous works.
Final Thoughts: Retro—A High-Risk, High-Reward Experiment
In conclusion, Retro is a bold, unpredictable film that doesn’t shy away from challenging its audience. Karthik Subbaraj explores the complexities of purpose, love, and war, delivering a movie that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. While the film may falter in places—especially in its later, more outlandish sequences—Suriya’s performance remains the movie’s strongest asset.
At its heart, Retro is about finding one’s place in the world, even if that journey is messy and filled with contradictions. While not without its flaws, Retro succeeds in showcasing Suriya’s star power and Subbaraj’s ability to push cinematic boundaries. It’s a film that may go around in circles but ultimately leaves a lasting impression through its emotional depth and philosophical musings.
