Retro

Karthik Subbaraj's latest offering follows in the footsteps of his earlier films-ambitious in length and stuffed with more elements than a buffet plate at a wedding. The story juggles fresh ideas with some relics from the cinematic Stone Age, creating a mix that's uneven but occasionally intriguing.

The narration bears Subbaraj's signature-stylized, layered, and occasionally indulgent. It's a heady cocktail of drama, crime, action, and a social message thrown in for good measure, though not always blended smoothly.

The period setting and costume design, unfortunately, don't do much to transport us. Some scenes are crafted with flair, but much of the film feels like a slow jog through mediocrity.

Surya, ever the dependable performer, delivers yet another stellar turn in the lead. Joju George is excellent, making the most of every frame he appears in. As for Pooja Hegde-let's just say we've set our expectations at sea level, and she comfortably meets them. Blame the makeup team for some unflattering moments, not the mirror. The supporting cast does their job without making much noise.

The background score is decent, though it never soars. Cinematography is competent, with a few standout shots that show visual creativity.

Watch it if the promos got your attention, but leave your expectations at the door. It's not a bad film-just one that settles for being average when it could have aimed higher.

The 2hr 40min film narrates the story of a traumatized and orphaned kid with deep seething anger management issues and abandonment issues. In the process of getting approval from his step-father, the male lead- "Paarivel" acted by veteran actor surya turns to violence which he later tries to abandon once and for all to be with his love interest , the female lead Rukmini"" whose role as a goody two shoes is portrayed by rising actress Pooja Hegde. While Paarivel had all the right intentions to become non-violent, he followed all the wrong methods.

I could not wrap my mind around why his fiance was never interested in knowing about the ill fated relationship between step-father and the step-son yet always blamed the male lead for often resorting to violence even though he was doing all of it to protect her. To top it off, he was not some misunderstood poor guy either. He constantly lied through his teeth to get her approval even though she gave him several chances. You'd think the male lead finally got himself into THERAPY, instead he doubles down on his alcohol driven violence and gets himself into a CULT!

His birthstory secrets were very predictable and nothing over the top. The antagonists roles were just cookie cutter versions- the ones our grandparents, our parents and we saw growing up- A very predictable and notorious Gang dad who raises his son to be violent and that son thinks he's "too cool" for anything and throws in random english words. All these does not make him seem edgy. He looked desperate and very out of touch. Would appreciate if he went out to go touch some grass.

Getting back to the finale which was the most predictable yet the most artificial part of the whole movie. I expected all the antagonists to get killed in a bloodbath fight sequel in almost every movie climax that has been featured for as long as i can remember but instead they all join the marriage ceremony of the two leads and call it "Happily ever after". The creative constipation and half baked narrative destroyed the potential that the musical and casts brought in. Its worth watching once. You will definitely like it if you are the actors fan. Eitherways i thank you for sticking around to read this review. I hope you have a good day.

I stand with Selvaragavan, After 2020 March the world has changed,Corona has changed the peoples minds, we enjoy only entertainment, we do not bother about the story or stroy line, we come to theatre only to spend our valuable time into a laughable time, but that too we miss it, we miss vivek sir. He too was taken by Corona. This movie is nothing but a childish remake of Ayirathil Oruvan,The original source of the story is the story of Exodus. Santhash Narayanan also didnt do justice for the movie by his music only Ilayarajas songs were used but nothing surpasses Rajinikanths Johnny. We lost our Ice Quarter.

Watched Retro with decent expectations-it looked cool from the trailer, and the idea had promise. The visuals and vibe were pretty solid, and I liked the music. It really tried to give off that gritty retro feel, and some scenes did pull me in, especially in the first half. The lead actor did a good job carrying the story, and the action was alright.

But after a point, it kinda lost me. The pacing slowed down, and it felt like the plot wasn't going anywhere. Some characters didn't feel fully developed, especially the villain-just felt flat and predictable. There were scenes that should've hit hard emotionally, but they didn't land. Felt like it needed tighter writing and maybe a bit more depth.

Overall, not a bad movie, but not great either. It's watchable, especially if you're into dark, stylish thrillers-but don't expect anything too deep or mind-blowing. I'd say it's okay for a one-time watch.

The story folds quite good for first half with good interval but after that the story began downhilled till the climax it has much potential to be a great film but got this stage because the director unable to properly connect the dots from first half in the second half as the second half give you a feels of watching another film hope he change that in his next film Now talks about acting Pooja's acting is good but expected more on her character little underfilled but on other note Suriya eppa dei eppadi ya ippadi ellam nadiara that mirror smilling scene !!!!!! What a acting but you need more focus on choosing better scripts and finally Santhosh narayan music is great and asset in the film, editing could have better,camera work is good other sides villian or to say Villain's easily describe in two word Dummy pieces. Its an decent film one time watchable because of Suriya's great acting and music other departments are ok with direction and editing below par

Best theatrical film for him since 24 film but excepting more from his.