Retro Movie Review: A Heartfelt Gangster Love Story That Packs a Punch

Hey movie buffs! If you’re into retro vibes, intense action, and a love story that tugs at your heartstrings, Retro, directed by the super-talented Karthik Subbaraj, is the Tamil film you’ve been waiting for. Starring the ever-charismatic Suriya and the lovely Pooja Hegde, this flick hit theaters on May 1, 2025, and it’s already got everyone talking. Subtitled Love, Laughter, War, Retro is a wild ride through the 1990s, blending romance, gangster drama, and a whole lot of nostalgia. In this retro film movie review, I’m breaking down what makes this movie tick, from its epic moments to its hiccups, with a sprinkle of fan reactions from 123telugu and X. Plus, I’ve got answers to all your burning questions about Retro and its retro movie release date. So, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive in!

What’s Retro All About? A Love Story with a Gangster Edge

Picture this: a gritty yet romantic tale set in the colorful, nostalgic world of the 1960s and 1990s. Retro is a Tamil masala film brought to life by Karthik Subbaraj’s Stone Bench Creations and Suriya’s 2D Entertainment. First teased as Suriya 44 back in March 2024, it got its official title, Retro, in December 2024, along with a teaser that had fans buzzing. The retro movie release date was perfectly timed for May 1, 2025, giving it a long Labour Day weekend to shine at the box office.

At its heart, Retro follows Paarivelkannan, or Paari (played by Suriya), an orphan with a mysterious trishul birthmark who’s raised by a gangster, Thilagan (Joju George), and his wife, Sandhya (Swastika). Paari’s life is all about violence until he meets Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), a calm, almost saint-like woman who makes him dream of a peaceful future. But, as you can probably guess, his past isn’t ready to let him go. Old enemies, buried secrets, and a whole lot of action keep Paari on his toes. With its tagline Love, Laughter, War, Retro delivers a mix of emotions, epic fights, and some seriously swoon-worthy moments.

Karthik Subbaraj’s Magic Touch

If you’ve seen Karthik Subbaraj movies like Pizza, Jigarthanda, or Jigarthanda DoubleX, you know this guy’s got a knack for telling stories that stick with you. In Retro, Subbaraj brings his A-game, blending a heartfelt love story with the gritty gangster vibes he’s known for. He’s called Retro his most romantic project yet, but don’t worry—there’s still plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the coolest parts? A 15-minute single-take sequence set to the song Kanima. It’s got everything—dance, drama, and raw emotion—and fans can’t stop raving about it.

That said, Retro isn’t perfect. Some folks, including me, felt it tries to juggle too many ideas. There are subplots and quirky meta-references that can feel like a bit much, especially in the second half, which drags a little. Still, Subbaraj’s knack for creating vivid worlds and complex characters makes Retro a fun, emotional ride that’s hard to forget.

Suriya and Pooja Hegde Steal the Show

Let’s talk about Suriya—wow, does he deliver! As Paari, he’s got two killer looks: a retro mullet and Fu Manchu mustache for his gangster days, and a cleaner, bearded vibe when he’s trying to go straight. Suriya nails every scene, from heart-wrenching moments to high-octane action. After the lukewarm response to Kanguva in 2024, Retro feels like Suriya saying, “I’m back, baby!” Fans on X are calling it “peak Suriya,” and I totally get why.

Pooja Hegde, playing Rukmini, is a breath of fresh air. Her role is a game-changer in the story, and she’s got this calm, radiant energy that lights up the screen. Her chemistry with Suriya is pure magic, though I wish her character had a bit more to do. The supporting cast, like Joju George as the tough yet caring Thilagan, and veterans like Jayaram, Prakash Raj, and Nassar, add tons of flavor. That said, a few quirky side characters, like Nassar’s and Vidhu’s, feel a bit over-the-top and don’t always hit the mark.

The Tech Stuff: Music, Visuals, and Action Galore

Retro is a visual and auditory feast. Santhosh Narayanan, Subbaraj’s go-to music guy, delivers a soundtrack that’s got everyone hooked. The Kanima song? It’s a banger, with over 40 million YouTube views and choreography that’s got fans recreating it online. That said, some folks on X have said the background score doesn’t quite match Narayanan’s usual brilliance, but it still sets the mood perfectly.

The visuals, shot by Shreyaas Krishna, are straight-up gorgeous. From the tranquil ghats of Varanasi to Chennai’s gritty streets, the 1990s vibe is on point. The editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali keeps things snappy in the first half, but at 2 hours and 48 minutes, the second half feels a tad long. And let’s not forget the action—Kecha Khamphakdee’s choreography and Jackson’s art direction make every fight scene pop, immersing you in Paari’s world.

What Are People Saying? Retro Movie Reviews Roundup

The retro movie reviews are a mixed bag, but most folks are loving it. Here’s the scoop from critics, 123telugu, and fans:

• 123telugu says Retro is a box office beast, with crazy advance bookings and fans going wild over Suriya’s performance, the punchy dialogues, and that epic climax.
• The Times of India is calling it a “blockbuster comeback” for Suriya, raving about Subbaraj’s engaging story and the film’s retro charm.
• India Today was a bit harsher, saying the film feels “overstuffed” with a weak love story and too many subplots. Still, they gave props to Suriya and that jaw-dropping Kanima sequence.
• On X, fans are split. @sri50 called it a “stylish gangster drama” with Subbaraj’s classic touch, while @HariVjSam felt it’s Subbaraj’s “weakest” film, with a second half that fizzles out.

Overall, fans are giving Retro around 3.5/5. The first half is a crowd-pleaser with its energy and emotional punches, but the second half has some folks wishing it was tighter.

Box Office Buzz and Cultural Vibes

Retro hit theaters like a storm, with packed shows across Tamil Nadu and solid numbers in Telugu and Hindi markets too. Released in standard and EPIQ formats, it’s got that big-screen magic. Word is, it’s even in the running for the Best Picture category at the 2025 Oscars, which is huge!

The film’s 1990s nostalgia, plus cool nods to a fictional superhero called Irumbukai (hinting at Suriya’s next big project), has fans buzzing. The Kanima song and Suriya’s retro swagger have taken over social media, with memes and fan edits everywhere. It’s safe to say Retro is leaving its mark!

Your Retro FAQs, Answered!

Final Thoughts: Does Retro Live Up to the Hype?

Retro is a big, bold movie that’s got Karthik Subbaraj’s signature style written all over it. Suriya’s electric performance, those stunning visuals, and the unforgettable Kanima sequence make it a blast to watch. Sure, it’s a bit long, and the second half gets a little cluttered, but it’s still a fun, emotional ride that’s perfect for fans of retro film movie reviews. Compared to Subbaraj’s masterpieces like Jigarthanda DoubleX, it might not be his absolute best, but it’s got heart and soul.

If you’re a Suriya stan, a Subbaraj fan, or just curious about the buzz from 123telugu and X, head to the theater and soak in the Retro magic. It’s a love story, a gangster saga, and a nostalgic trip all rolled into one.

Have you seen Retro? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear what you think!