Suriya's Back, Baby! And He's Brought the 90s With Him
Okay, so Suriya's Retro finally dropped on May 1st, 2025, and let me tell you, the hype was REAL. This is his big comeback after Kanguva, that massive fantasy epic, and it’s a total 180. We're talking a gangster flick, set in the vibrant, totally awesome 90s. Romance? Check. Action? Double check. Intense emotions? Triple check. It’s a wild ride.
More Than Just Guns and Girlfriends
Retro isn’t your typical gangster movie; it’s got some serious heart. Suriya plays this reformed gangster, trying desperately to leave his violent past behind. He's aiming for peace, you know? But then, his estranged wife (the gorgeous Pooja Hegde) gets dragged into a whole mess of revenge and old grudges. Suddenly, he's forced to confront all the ghosts he thought he'd buried. It’s a rollercoaster of action, raw emotion, and some seriously intense psychological moments. The film explores love lost, second chances, and that never-ending quest for self-forgiveness. It really got to me.
Suriya's 90s look is spot on—the hair, the clothes, the whole vibe. And get this—there's a breathtaking 15-minute single-take sequence. Seriously impressive filmmaking! Pooja Hegde is amazing too; many are calling it her best performance yet. And Santhosh Narayanan's soundtrack? Pure magic. It perfectly captures the emotional ups and downs.
Karthik Subbaraj's Vision: A Love Story in a Gritty World
Director Karthik Subbaraj, known for his stylish films and those crazy plot twists, says Retro is a love story at its core. He’s brilliantly woven the brutal action scenes with the movie's emotional heart. You feel it long after the credits roll. The movie’s depiction of 90s culture—the music, the fashion, the whole atmosphere—is so authentic, it’s like stepping back in time. The cityscapes, the underground clubs, the hidden hideouts… it all creates this rich, textured world.
Mixed Reviews? Totally Expected
Early reactions are… interesting. Some are raving about the powerful performances and stylish direction. Others? Not so much. Some feel the pacing is a bit off, the tone inconsistent at times. But everyone's talking about that incredible 15-minute single-take sequence, especially the "Kanimaa" dance number—it's a showstopper! Social media is buzzing; some call it Suriya’s brilliant comeback, while others are less impressed. Here’s a quick rundown:
X (Twitter) Users: Loved Suriya’s performance, Pooja Hegde’s acting, the "Kanimaa" song, cinematography, and music. Some felt the pacing was uneven and the screenplay inconsistent in places.
News18.com: Praised the strong first half and the performances, didn't really mention any major negatives in their initial review.
BBFC (British Board of Film Classification): Focused on the gritty violence, emotional intensity, and powerful performances in their classification notes.
The Verdict? See for Yourself
Despite the mixed reactions, Retro undeniably showcases Suriya’s versatility and Karthik Subbaraj’s unique style. The powerful performances, intense action, and exploration of complex themes make it a compelling watch. Is it a masterpiece? Maybe. A minor success? Possibly. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide. But one thing’s for sure: Retro is sparking a conversation, and that’s pretty cool. It's a must-see for Suriya fans, for sure, but whether it grabs a wider audience remains to be seen. It definitely makes a statement though, and that's something.
