Retro Movie Review: A Confusing Blend of Mystery, Action, and Emotion
Retro Movie Review
Plot Overview:
“Retro,” directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is a period drama set between the 1960s and 1990s. The story revolves around Parivel (Suriya), an orphan adopted reluctantly by Tilak Raj (Joju George) and his compassionate wife Sandhya. Parivel’s inability to smile becomes central to the narrative, as does his eventual relationship with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde). After losing Sandhya, Parivel inherits a crucial secret tied to a “Gold Fish” code, which leads to dangerous encounters with Tilak Raj and his son Michael (Vidhu). The plot thickens when Parivel escapes from jail to find Rukmini on a remote Andaman island, where he faces supernatural challenges tied to the villagers’ prophecy.
Retro Movie Review: Performance and Character Portrayals:
Suriya delivers a restrained performance as Parivel, though the character’s lack of emotional expression remains unexplained and underutilized. Pooja Hegde plays Rukmini with grace but lacks depth due to minimal screen time. Supporting actors like Joju George, Prakash Raj, and Nassar bring gravitas to their roles, yet their characters feel underdeveloped amidst the chaotic storyline. Jayaram’s comic relief provides fleeting moments of lightness in an otherwise convoluted script.
Retro Movie Review: Direction and Cinematography:
Karthik Subbaraj attempts to weave multiple subplots into the narrative, but the result feels scattered. The transitions between timelines often confuse viewers about the timeline progression. Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography captures scenic landscapes effectively, even if it doesn’t elevate the storytelling significantly. Shaafiq Mohammed Ali’s editing leaves unnecessary scenes intact, contributing to pacing issues.
Music and Technical Aspects:
Santhosh Narayanan’s soundtrack leans toward nostalgic tunes that fit the era but fails to leave a lasting impact. The background score complements key sequences without standing out. While the technical aspects are competent, they don’t compensate for the weak screenplay or direction.
Retro Movie Review: Overall Verdict:
“Retro” suffers from overambitious plotting and poorly executed twists. Despite its star-studded cast and visually appealing locales, the film struggles to engage audiences due to its disjointed narrative and lack of focus. It ends on a perplexing note, leaving viewers more confused than entertained.
Retro Movie Review: Important FAQs:
- Who stars in Retro?
- Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Jayaram, Joju George, Nassar, and Prakash Raj headline the cast.
- What is Retro about?
- The film follows Parivel, an orphan entangled in a mysterious quest involving a “Gold Fish” code, leading him to danger and supernatural events.
- Is Retro worth watching?
- While it features strong performances and beautiful visuals, the film’s confusing plot may not appeal to all viewers.
- When was Retro released?
- Retro hit theaters on May 1, 2025.
- How is the music in Retro?
- Composed by Santhosh Narayanan, the music fits the period setting but isn’t particularly memorable.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and personal interpretation of the film’s content. Opinions expressed here are subjective and do not reflect the views of the filmmakers or associated parties. For accurate details, refer to official sources related to “Retro.”
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