Karthik Subbaraj is known for breaking the mold in Tamil cinema.
With films like Pizza and Jigarthanda, he earned a cult following for his bold storytelling and unique direction.So, when news broke that he would team up with Suriya for a film titled Retro, expectations naturally shot through the roof. Add to that the fact that Suriya himself produced the film under his home banner, 2D Entertainment, and fans were hopeful for something truly special.
But sadly, Retro doesn’t deliver on that promise. Despite Suriya’s efforts and screen presence, the film struggles to find its footing and ends up being a disappointing experience for many.
Plot Summary: A Gangster, A Love Story, and a Mission Gone Wrong
Retro tells the story of Paari (played by Suriya), a loyal gangster working under the shadow of Tilak, a powerful crime boss played by Joju George. Though Tilak treats Paari like his own son, there’s always a dark cloud hanging over their relationship—Paari’s painful past.
Eventually, Paari wants out. He falls in love with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde) and decides to leave his violent lifestyle behind. But just when things seem to settle, Paari messes up one final job—something referred to as the ‘Gold Fish’ deal. This failed mission creates a massive rift between him and Tilak, setting off a chain of events that forms the core of the film.
The rest of Retro attempts to unravel the mystery behind ‘Gold Fish’ and whether Paari can escape his past—or if it will pull him back in.
A Slow Start and a Lost Spark
Let’s be honest: audiences today are picky—and rightfully so. With streaming options galore and so many films releasing every week, people only make a trip to the theatre when something truly special comes along. Unfortunately, Retro doesn’t offer anything fresh or compelling to earn that kind of buzz.
The film starts off extremely slow, with the plot dragging for far too long before getting to any real action. Karthik Subbaraj, known for his sharp twists and unique storytelling, takes his time setting the stage—but the payoff just isn’t there.
For most of the first half, viewers are stuck waiting for “the moment” when the film picks up or surprises them. Sadly, that moment never truly arrives.
An Experimental Format That Fails to Connect
One of the film’s creative risks was to divide the story into separate chapters—like love, war, and entertainment. While this idea had potential, in execution it feels disjointed. The transitions are rough, and none of the chapters deliver the emotional depth needed to make viewers feel connected.
Instead of adding flavor, this segmented format takes away from the flow. You can tell what the team was trying to do, but it just doesn’t land.
Squid Game Vibes, but No Impact
You can’t ignore the clear influence of the popular Netflix series Squid Game in Retro—especially in the second half. The set designs, tension-building techniques, and even some of the scenes feel heavily inspired by the survival-game style format.
But where Squid Game had emotional stakes and thrilling drama, Retro just copies the style without capturing the substance. The scenes come off as forced, with little to no buildup, making it hard for the audience to stay invested.
Suriya’s Performance Is a Bright Spot
If there’s one thing that does work in Retro, it’s Suriya’s performance. The actor gives it his all and appears in four different looks, each representing a different phase of his character. He manages to bring intensity, charm, and energy to the screen, even when the script doesn’t support him much.
Unfortunately, even Suriya’s best efforts can’t save a film that feels outdated and confused about what it wants to be.
Supporting Characters Let Down the Story
Another major letdown in the film is the writing around the supporting cast. Talented actors like Jayaram are underused and poorly written into the story. Their characters lack depth and feel more like props than people with real stakes in the narrative.
Even Pooja Hegde’s role as Rukmini doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The romantic angle is underdeveloped and doesn’t have the emotional pull it needed to justify Paari’s transformation.
The 'Gold Fish' Twist Falls Flat
When the story finally reveals the truth about the mysterious ‘Gold Fish’ deal, it’s meant to be the big twist. The moment where everything clicks.
But instead, it lands with a thud.
The twist is underwhelming and confusing, and feels like a weak payoff for all the build-up. It leaves viewers feeling cheated rather than surprised.
Final Verdict: Retro Feels Like a Missed Opportunity
Karthik Subbaraj is capable of creating truly original, genre-defying films. Suriya is one of the most talented actors in Tamil cinema. And yet, Retro ends up feeling like a missed opportunity—a film with big names, big ambitions, and not enough substance to hold it all together.
The script feels dated, the emotional beats don’t land, and the experimental structure doesn’t quite work. Add to that a poorly executed twist and a second half that borrows too much from elsewhere, and the result is a film that feels more frustrating than fun.
