Retro Movie Review-Karthik Subbaraj’s Suriya Thriller

Introduction

Retro is the much-anticipated Tamil-language romantic action film from acclaimed director Karthik Subbaraj, centered on a gangster’s struggle for redemption and the transformative power of love. Starring Suriya in the titular role alongside Pooja Hegde, this 90s-set thriller promises to deliver both emotional depth and adrenaline-fueled action.

Plot Overview

At its core, Retro follows a once-fearsome gangster who vows to leave his violent past behind for the sake of his wife and their shared dream of a peaceful life. However, as old enemies resurface and buried secrets threaten to destroy him, he finds that walking away is far more complicated than he ever imagined.

Suriya’s character embarks on an emotional reckoning when he falls deeply in love, discovering peace only through the promise of a fresh start—yet the shadow of his former self looms larger with each step toward redemption.

Themes and Tone

Love as Redemption

Director Karthik Subbaraj emphasizes that, despite its vintage gangster aesthetic, Retro is “a love story…love as a transformative force, something that pushes the character to evolve.”

The Haunting Pull of the Past

While many assume Retro to be a conventional crime thriller, Subbaraj clarifies that the film uses its high-octane action to serve an emotional core—highlighting how hard it is to escape one’s own history.

90s Nostalgia and Style

Set against the backdrop of 1990s nostalgia, Retro blends stylish cinematography with period-accurate production design, creating a “visual grammar of a vintage gangster flick” in service of its deeper emotional narrative.

Retro – Trailer (Hindi)

Cast & Performances

Suriya takes on the complex role of a former underworld figure torn between love and violence, delivering a performance that balances raw intensity with heartfelt vulnerability.

Pooja Hegde stars as his devoted wife, whose unwavering belief in her husband’s ability to change becomes the story’s emotional anchor.

Supporting Cast includes Jayaram and Joju George, who add depth to the ensemble with their portrayals of allies and adversaries alike.

Direction, Music & Cinematography

Direction: Karthik Subbaraj, known for Pizza and Jigarthanda, experiments with mainstream escapism and personal drama, making Retro his most daringly experimental mainstream project to date.

Music: Composed by Santhosh Narayanan, the soundtrack heightens both the romance and the action, with chart-topping songs already generating buzz ahead of release.

Cinematography: Shreyaas Krishna employs sweeping frames and gritty textures to underscore the film’s duality—romance versus violence.

Release & Anticipation

Retro is slated for a global theatrical release on May 1, 2025, under Suriya’s 2D Entertainment banner. Pre-release events have seen overwhelming fanfare, with the trailer and audio launch receiving enthusiastic responses nationwide.

Critics and trade analysts are watching closely, especially in Telugu markets where Subbaraj’s past films have seen mixed receptions; positive word-of-mouth will be crucial for Retro’s pan-Indian success.

With its blend of heartfelt romance, high-octane thrills, and Karthik Subbaraj’s distinctive directorial style, Retro stands poised to deliver both box-office fireworks and emotional resonance. As Suriya’s character grapples with the inescapable shadows of his past, audiences will be taken on a journey that proves: true redemption comes at a price—and that price is often paid in love.

Stay tuned for our full review after May 1, 2025, and don’t forget to follow for the latest updates on cast interviews, song releases, and behind-the-scenes exclusives!

Retro on Which OTT Platform, When & Where to Watch

All post-theatrical digital rights for Retro have been secured by Netflix, which will stream the film exclusively once its big-screen window concludes.

Retro OTT Release Date

While an exact date is yet to be officially confirmed, industry trackers and the streaming service itself have indicated a late-May 2025 premiere—most likely between May 29 and May 31, 2025.

Languages & Territories

On Netflix, Retro will be available in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada Indiatimes. (Hindi digital rights have been sold separately, but no platform announcement has been made for that version.) Also read the review of Ground Zero Movie Review: A Grounded Take on a High-Stakes Operation

Keep an eye on Netflix’s official “Coming Soon” section in late May for the precise launch date!