Retro Movie Reviews: Suriya and Pooja Hegde Starrer Sparks Mixed Reactions

The much-anticipated gangster drama Retro starring National Award-winning actor Suriya and the versatile Pooja Hegde has finally graced the big screens, and it’s making waves for all the right—and wrong—reasons. Directed by the ever-creative Karthik Subbaraj and backed by 2D Entertainment and Stone Bench, Retro delves into a nostalgic journey between the 1960s and 1990s. With music by Santhosh Narayanan, the film attempts a layered, emotional tale of love, betrayal, and redemption—though it doesn’t always hit the right notes.

Retro Movie Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Praise and Criticism

Retro movie reviews are pouring in, and the reactions are as dramatic as the movie itself. While many fans applaud Suriya’s intense performance and the fresh pairing with Pooja Hegde, others lament the inconsistent storytelling and an overly complicated plot. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been buzzing with hot takes. One user commented, “Suriya is back in form, but the screenplay falters.” Another added, “Pooja Hegde lights up the screen, but the second half drags.”

Film critics seem equally divided. Sakshi Post gave it a fair 3.5 stars, calling it “gripping” yet flawed, whereas other outlets called out the film’s cluttered narrative and lack of character development. A common thread among critics was the criticism of the second half—viewers expected a tighter, more cohesive resolution.

Plot, Characters, and Execution: Strengths and Pitfalls

Set in Kakinada during the 1960s, Retro follows Parivel Kannan (Suriya), a brooding orphan who carries the weight of his past silently. He finds solace in Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), who too bears emotional scars. Their intertwined journeys take them from city life to a mysterious island in the Andamans, with secrets hidden in a code name—”Gold Fish.”

Despite the emotional premise, many reviewers argue that the execution leaves much to be desired. Retro introduces several intriguing characters—Joju George, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Nassar—but fails to flesh them out. The movie’s attempt to blend mass entertainment with emotional gravitas often gets muddled. As one reviewer noted, “Too many characters spoil the broth.”

Technically, Santhosh Narayanan’s score is deemed decent, though it lacks standout appeal. Cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna gets some appreciation, capturing period visuals well. However, editing choices have been widely criticized—especially with overdrawn emotional scenes and flashbacks that add little to the story.

Netizens and Celebrity Reactions

The film has certainly sparked a conversation. Fans celebrated outside theaters, especially in Tamil Nadu, where cutouts, dance, and drums marked Retro’s release. Viral glimpses from cinema halls show a feverish atmosphere, with fans cheering for Suriya’s dramatic entry in crisp white formals.

Celebrities also chimed in. Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan extended warm wishes to Suriya, while music maestro GV Prakash called it a “blockbuster in the making.” Lokesh Kanagaraj joined the FDFS at Chennai’s Fort Rohini Theater, further amping up the buzz.

Box Office Prospects and OTT Plans

According to early predictions, Retro might rake in around ₹28–30 crores on its opening day. Pre-release bookings touched ₹7.75 crores in Tamil Nadu alone. The romantic action blend, accompanied by mass elements and nostalgic themes, appears to have struck a chord with regional audiences.

Netflix has confirmed the film’s post-theatrical digital release. Retro will stream in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, ensuring wider access across South Indian markets. The official teaser’s popularity and the song “Kanimaa” going viral are already building anticipation for its OTT debut.

Why the Ending Divides Opinions

One point of contention that resonates across most retro movie reviews is the film’s ending. Described by some as “emotionally resonant” and by others as “bewilderingly abrupt,” the climax leaves viewers divided. While some appreciated Karthik Subbaraj’s bold storytelling, others felt it lacked the emotional depth and payoff needed after a long buildup.

Standout Elements vs Weak Spots

• Standouts: Suriya’s performance, nostalgic production design, mass appeal, fan celebrations.
• Weaknesses: Weak character arcs, inconsistent pacing, emotional disconnect, narrative bloat.

Final Thoughts: Will Retro Stand the Test of Time?

Retro attempts something different—an emotional gangster drama interwoven with mass entertainment. However, the ambitious vision gets lost in translation at several points. Still, for fans of Suriya, the film offers moments of brilliance, and for casual viewers, it provides a decent theatrical experience with grandeur and drama.

Retro movie reviews reflect the polarizing nature of cinema in today’s fast-moving digital world. The film’s mixed reception shows how audiences are evolving, seeking both substance and style. Retro may not be a classic, but it is certainly a conversation starter.

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FAQs

What is the main storyline of Retro?

Retro follows the journey of Parivel Kannan, an orphan entangled in a web of secrets, who tries to escape his violent past to start a peaceful life with Rukmini. The film spans from 1960s Kakinada to a remote Andaman island.

Who are the lead actors in Retro?

Suriya plays the lead role of Parivel Kannan, while Pooja Hegde stars as Rukmini. Other notable actors include Joju George, Jayaram, Nassar, and Prakash Raj.

Why is Retro getting mixed reviews?

Critics and fans have praised Suriya’s performance and the film’s aesthetic, but many have criticized the cluttered plot, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent pacing—especially in the second half.

Will Retro be available on OTT platforms?

Yes, Retro will stream on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada after its theatrical run concludes.

What song from Retro is trending?

The song “Kanimaa,” featuring Suriya and Pooja Hegde, has gone viral and is receiving significant praise for its upbeat vibe and catchy choreography.

Is Retro worth watching in theaters?

If you’re a fan of emotional dramas with a nostalgic flair and enjoy performances from seasoned actors like Suriya, Retro is worth a watch—despite its narrative flaws.