Weak and Inconsistent Storytelling
The movie suffers from too many characters, confusing subplots, and unrealistic scenes. Suriya's performance is constrained by an underdeveloped character, and despite its retro setting, the film fails to build emotional depth.

Plot Summary:
Set between the 1960s and 1990s, Retro follows the life of Parivel Kannan (Suriya), an orphan taken in by a kind woman, Sandhya. As Parivel grows up, his struggle to smile becomes symbolic, and his relationship with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde) is defined by shared grief. Years later, a hidden consignment of "Gold Fish" drives the plot forward, with Parivel taking drastic steps to protect Rukmini from danger. The story takes Parivel to a remote island controlled by Rajavel (Nassar) and his son Michael (Vidhu), where the villagers believe a sacred trident-shaped mark will change their fate. What follows is a journey filled with superstition, suspense, and danger.

Analysis:
Retro tries to blend nostalgia with modern themes but fails to deliver. The film suffers from cluttered storytelling, with too many plot twists and a lack of character development. The heroine’s emotional journey feels shallow, and the hero’s story is weighed down by unnecessary subplots. Over-the-top action sequences and exaggerated characters distract from the core story. The film's biggest flaw is the lack of emotional engagement, and the characters remain underdeveloped, making it difficult for the audience to connect.

Performances:
Suriya’s portrayal of a hero who rarely smiles lacks emotional depth, and Pooja Hegde has little to do other than serve as a plot device. The supporting cast, including Joju George, Nassar, and Prakash Raj, play antagonists with little impact, while Jayaram’s role is underutilized.

Technical Aspects:
Karthik Subbaraj’s direction lacks consistency, and the screenplay feels disjointed due to frequent jumps in time. Santhosh Narayanan’s music is average, and Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography, while competent, does not stand out. Editing could have been tighter to remove unnecessary scenes that add little to the story.

Final Verdict:
Retro is an overly ambitious film that struggles to maintain coherence. Despite the strong cast and retro appeal, it falls short due to weak storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of emotional engagement. The film, ultimately, does not live up to its potential.

Movie Name: Retro
Release Date: 2025-05-01
Cast: Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Joju George, Nassar, Prakash Raj
Director: Karthik Subbaraj
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Banner: 2D Entertainment, Stone Bench
Review By: Peddinti
Retro Rating: 2.00 out of 5