Retro marks the much-anticipated return of Suriya in a gripping gangster drama directed by Karthik Subbaraj. Set against a backdrop of love, laughter, and war, Retro delves into the life of Paarivel “Paari” Kannan, portrayed by Suriya, as he navigates the complexities of his past and present. The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and action.
The film’s music, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, complements the narrative’s intensity, while Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography captures the essence of the era with finesse.
Retro isn’t just a title — it’s a mood. Directed by the ever-experimental Karthik Subbaraj, this action-drama throws us into a world drenched in 80s-inspired style but laced with modern emotional grit. At the center of it all is Suriya, delivering one of his most intense performances in recent memory.
He plays Paarivel Kannan, a former gangster who’s walked away from violence for love — specifically, for his wife Rukmini, portrayed elegantly by Pooja Hegde. But the past never forgets. And when it knocks again, it drags Paarivel into a conflict that tests his loyalty, patience, and identity.
What sets Retro apart is not just its throwback visual aesthetics — complete with grainy film textures and neon lighting — but its emotional depth. Subbaraj crafts a world where style enhances substance. Santhosh Narayanan’s brooding score and Shreyaas Krishna’s atmospheric visuals elevate the film beyond a standard gangster saga.
The supporting cast, including Joju George and Prakash Raj, bring credibility and firepower. The film’s climax is particularly gripping, rewarding patient viewers with a moral punch.
Verdict:
Retro is a bold, genre-bending journey. A fitting tribute to vintage cinema with a fiercely modern heart.
Rating: (4/5)
Cast & Crew
- Lead Cast:
- Suriya as Paarivel “Paari” Kannan
- Pooja Hegde as Rukmini “Rukku”
- Jayaram
- Joju George
- Karunakaran
- Prakash Raj
- Nassar
- Sujith Shankar
- Shriya Saran
- Prem Kumar
- Ramachandran Durairaj
- Sandeep Raj
- Remya Suresh
- Director: Karthik Subbaraj
- Producers: Suriya, Jyothika
- Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan
- Cinematographer: Shreyaas Krishna
- Editor: Shafique Mohammed Ali
- Production Houses: 2D Entertainment, Stone Bench Creations
- Language: Tamil (with dubbed versions in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada)
- Runtime: 168 minutes
- Budget: ₹65 crore
- Release Date: May 1, 2025
