Archive · 19 May 2025
Retro Review: Suriya's Performance in Karthik Subbaraj's Experiment
Retro is a Tamil movie about a gangster named Paari, played by Suriya, who is on a journey to find meaning in his life.
The story has action, romance, and touches on the idea of universal truth.
Paari has a complicated relationship with his father and also falls in love.
The movie shows different parts of Paari's life, but it has some parts that could be better.
Despite any flaws, Suriya's performance is praised, making the film an interesting experiment.
Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is a Tamil action-romance film starring Suriya.
The film centers on Paari, an orphaned ruffian seeking purpose, influenced by Buddhist philosophy.
Paari, the adopted son of a crime lord, takes a stand, leading to conflict.
The story also involves a love story between Paari and Rukmini, with their relationship facing challenges.
The film's screenplay is divided into episodes, with the second half facing some narrative issues.
- Who
- Suriya as Paari, a gangster seeking purpose, directed by Karthik Subbaraj.
- What
- A Tamil action-romance film exploring themes of love, violence, and self-discovery.
- When
- The film is currently running in theaters, with the review published on May 1, 2025.
- Where
- The film is set in various locations.
- Why
- Paari's search for meaning and purpose.
Critical Perspective
Appreciative Perspective
Suriya's Performance and Action
Critical Perspective
Some critics felt the film had an underwhelming middle stretch.
Appreciative Perspective
The fight choreography and Karthik's use of Suriya's persona were creative and well-received.
Screenplay and Narrative
Critical Perspective
The second half of the film was considered by some critics to be overstuffed with ideas that muddied the palette.
Appreciative Perspective
Some of the ideas were admirable, but the screenplay became too complex.
- Runtime
- 168 minutes
- Director
- Karthik Subbaraj
- Cast
- Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Joju George, Jayaram
- Language
- Tamil
- Storyline
- A reformer gangster's search for purpose