Retro (2025) Movie: Suriya’s Gritty Gangster Drama Delivers an Intense Ride
Retro Movie Review
Retro Movie Review from Malaysian Fans: Retro, the much-anticipated Tamil gangster drama starring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, hits theaters with all the grit and intensity one could expect from a high-stakes action thriller. The film has already gained attention internationally, with its first review from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which has rated the film a 15 for strong violence and language, hinting at the intense and gripping nature of the movie.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Karthik Subbaraj |
| Written by | Karthik Subbaraj |
| Produced by | Jyothika, Suriya, Kaarthekeyen Santhanam, Rajsekar Pandian |
| Starring | Suriya, Pooja Hegde |
| Cinematography | Shreyaas Krishna |
| Edited by | Shafique Mohamed Ali |
| Music by | Santhosh Narayanan |
| Production Companies | Stone Bench Creations, 2D Entertainment |
| Distributed by | See below (Not specified in the input) |
| Release Date | 1 May 2025 |
| Running Time | 168 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
| Budget | ₹200 crore |
Plot Overview
Suriya plays a former gangster who is forced to return to his violent past to protect his estranged wife. After vowing to leave the world of crime behind, his peaceful life is shattered, and he must confront his darkest fears and enemies. The movie explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the inevitability of violence, making it an emotionally charged and thrilling ride.
Pros
- Suriya’s Powerful Performance:
Suriya shines in his portrayal of a conflicted former gangster trying to escape his violent past. His performance is intense and layered, reflecting the inner turmoil of a man who wants peace but is pulled back into a life he thought he left behind. Suriya’s delivery is both raw and compelling, making his character’s struggle believable and captivating. - Engaging Storyline with Emotional Depth:
At its core, Retro explores universal themes of redemption, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. The central narrative is emotionally driven, focusing on Suriya’s character’s fight to protect his wife, and it successfully combines the action-packed gangster elements with moments of vulnerability and heart. This balance between tension and emotional depth keeps the audience engaged. - Santhosh Narayanan’s Impactful Music:
The soundtrack of Retro enhances its dark, intense tone. Santhosh Narayanan delivers a gripping score that underscores the film’s action sequences and emotional beats. The music intensifies the storytelling, further immersing the viewer in the high-stakes world of the characters. - Cinematography and Direction:
Director Karthik Subbaraj does an exceptional job with the film’s pacing and tone. The use of a single-shot sequence, which has already garnered attention, is a highlight of the film’s technical execution. The cinematography captures the gritty nature of the story while also providing stunning visuals that amplify the emotional weight of the film. - Chemistry Between Suriya and Pooja Hegde:
Suriya and Pooja Hegde’s chemistry is a highlight, providing an emotional core to the story. Their relationship adds warmth and a sense of humanity to the otherwise intense narrative, and Pooja Hegde brings grace and depth to her role as Suriya’s estranged wife.
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Cons
- Pacing and Length Issues:
While Retro excels in many areas, the pacing can be uneven at times. Some of the slower, more introspective moments might feel drawn out, especially in the second half. The film could have benefitted from a tighter narrative to maintain its momentum. - Predictability in Some Plot Elements:
Although the story is emotionally engaging, certain plot points may feel predictable, especially for those familiar with the gangster genre. The narrative relies on some well-worn tropes that could have been explored in a more unique way to provide a fresh take on the genre. - Underdeveloped Supporting Characters:
While Suriya’s character is well-rounded, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Certain motivations, particularly for secondary characters, could have been fleshed out further to add more depth to the film.
Retro Movie Review Verdict:
Retro is an action-packed, emotionally charged film that offers a standout performance from Suriya. The intense action sequences, gripping storyline, and strong performances from the cast make it a compelling watch. However, its pacing issues and some predictable plot points prevent it from reaching its full potential. Regardless, Retro is a solid addition to the gangster genre, with the grit and intensity promised by its BBFC rating.
Overall, Retro (2025) is a gripping action thriller that delivers an intense cinematic experience. With Suriya’s powerful performance, Karthik Subbaraj’s direction, and a hauntingly effective soundtrack by Santhosh Narayanan, the film stands out in the gangster drama genre.
Retro Movie Review Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
The film Retro received mixed reviews from the audience. Retro is a thrilling action drama that succeeds on the strength of Suriya’s performance and Karthik Subbaraj’s direction, Retro is an intense film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Though it has its flaws, it’s definitely worth the watch for fans of gripping gangster thrillers.
