Retro was released today in the Telugu States by Sithara Entertainments. TFN reviews the latest gangster action movie.
Story:
In a world painted with grit and shadow, Paarivelkannan (Suriya) finds himself adopted by Sandhya (Swastika) and her kingpin spouse, Tilak (Joju George). Tilak, a heartless and unsentimental man, scorns Paari since he is not his biological child. A childhood cloaked in sorrow steals Paari’s laughter.
After his mother’s demise, Paari stands alone. Yet, fate spins a wild thread—Tilak, struck by Paari’s raw prowess as a top-tier henchman, claims him as his own. Amid this turbulent dance, Paari’s path entwines with Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), a kindred spirit who comes with a sorrowful past. Their hearts, bruised but bold, promise forever on their wedding day—only to unravel a chilling truth: Tilak’s mask hides a serpent’s grin.
Analysis:
Suriya’s portrayal in Kanguva showcased a grounded and relatable strength, a departure from typical warrior portrayals. In Retro, he embodies a character with a subtle intensity and quiet determination, a refreshing evolution for an actor of his caliber since Ghajini. Pooja Hegde delivers a notable performance; she embraces her inherent confidence. Her character’s presentation pushes the envelope here and there. Joju George brings out the complex nature of his character.
Among the supporting cast, Jayaram shines brightly as the well-meaning laughter therapist. Prakash Raj, in his consistent and recognizable style, brings a familiar energy to his role. Sujith Shankar offers a portrayal of a character marked by aggression. Shriya Saran’s special appearance, while perhaps unexpected, offers some sass to a special song titled Love Detox.
Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography thoughtfully complements the film’s theme through its distinct visual approach. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score serves the narrative effectively with its understated approach, allowing key moments to resonate without noise.
Retro is not your regular gangster story. It is not a sentimental father-foster child story either. It unfolds like a saga, never looking to be in a tearing hurry.
It is evident that director Karthik Subbaraj has consciously stuck to his convictions. The language spoken by the different characters is not regular but doesn’t feel cold either. The situations are relatable if you can connect with Paari’s pain. The circumstances squeeze in Paari and Rukmini at every turn.
The story has the quality of a rollercoaster tragedy. Yet, the treatment and the performances don’t let the film fall into a tragic zone.
Verdict:
A deliberately paced gangster tale anchored by strong performances, Retro is decent.
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