Retro (2025), directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is a vibrant, action-packed Tamil-language romantic drama that tries to balance gritty gangster vibes with heartfelt romance and a dash of quirky humor. With a tagline of “Love, Laughter, War,” this film promises a rollercoaster of emotions—and for the most part, it delivers. As a fan of Suriya’s intense screen presence and Subbaraj’s bold storytelling, I was excited to dive into this one, and it didn’t disappoint, though it’s not without its flaws. Here’s my take on Retro for all you movie buffs out there!
Table of Contents
The Plot: A Gangster’s Quest for Redemption
Retro follows Paarivel “Paari” Kannan (Suriya), an orphan raised in the gritty world of gangsters, who vows to his love, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), to leave behind his violent past. But as betrayal, a dangerous cult, and a prophecy about his true origins unfold, Paari is pulled back into a whirlwind of action and self-discovery. The story weaves through love, intense fight sequences, and a search for purpose, all wrapped in Subbaraj’s signature pulp fiction-inspired aesthetic.
The first half sets up Paari’s world beautifully, with a focus on character development and a gripping interval block. The second half, however, takes a sharp detour into heavier action and sentimental moments, which can feel jarring at times. While the film’s ambition is clear, the choppy screenplay and multiple plot threads sometimes dilute the emotional core. Still, it’s a wild, engaging ride that keeps you hooked.
The Cast: Suriya Shines, Supported by a Stellar Ensemble
The cast is a major highlight of Retro. Suriya delivers a powerhouse performance as Paari, blending brooding intensity with moments of vulnerability. His screen presence is magnetic, especially in the action sequences and the much-talked-about 14-minute single-shot “Kannima” sequence, which is pure cinematic brilliance. Pooja Hegde, as Rukmini, brings emotional depth and charm, proving she’s more than just a glamorous lead. Her expressive eyes and dance moves in songs like “Señorita” and “Daddy Daddy” are a treat to watch.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Joju George and Jayaram add gravitas, though some felt Jayaram’s comedic bits were a bit forced. Nassar, Prakash Raj, and a host of others, including Avinash Raghudevan, Karunakaran, and Vidhu (as a menacing antagonist), round out the ensemble, each adding flavor to this colorful world. The chemistry between Suriya and Pooja Hegde is a standout, making their romantic moments genuinely heartfelt.
Technical Brilliance: Visuals, Music, and Action
Karthik Subbaraj’s direction, paired with Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography, creates a vibrant, retro-inspired world with a bold color palette and meticulous set design. The film’s visuals pop, especially in the scenic backdrops of Ooty and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Santhosh Narayanan’s music and background score elevate the experience, with tracks like “Kannima” seamlessly blending into the narrative. However, some felt the background score didn’t always hit the mark compared to Subbaraj’s previous collaborations with Narayanan.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The Good:
- Suriya’s commanding performance and Pooja Hegde’s career-best role.
- The 14-minute “Kannima” single-shot sequence is a technical marvel.
- Engagingទ1-15
- Stunning visuals and a nostalgic, vibrant aesthetic.
- Catchy songs and a powerful background score.
The Not-So-Good:
- The second half feels disjointed with too many plot threads.
- Some emotional moments don’t land as well as intended.
- The villain’s character lacks depth, making the climax less impactful.
- Occasional pacing issues and uneven CGI.
IMDb Ratings
As of now, Retro holds a solid 6.8/10 on IMDb, reflecting a mixed but generally positive reception.
Where to Watch Retro Online
Retro is currently available for streaming on Netflix with a subscription, making it accessible for viewers worldwide.
Download Now
For those who prefer offline viewing, Retro can be downloaded from this platform. Here is the downloads links-
W𝚊tch & Download Retro Full Movie
𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐄 ➤ Watch Now
𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 4K ➤ Click Here
𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 1080p ➤ Click Here
𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 720 HD ➤ Click Here
Release Date
Retro hit theaters on May 1, 2025, in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. The teaser, released on Christmas 2024, broke records with over 10 million YouTube views in 24 hours.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch?
Retro is a fun, stylish, and ambitious film that delivers on action, romance, and Subbaraj’s unique flair. It’s not perfect—the second half drags, and some elements feel overstuffed—but Suriya’s charisma, Pooja Hegde’s charm, and the film’s technical finesse make it a worthy watch. If you love high-energy Tamil cinema with a mix of love, laughter, and war, this one’s for you. I’d give it a 7/10 for its entertainment value and bold execution. Have you watched Retro yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss!
Nice movie thank you