Karthik Subbaraj’s "Retro" Unveils a Diverse Tale of Love, War, and Redemption
Karthik Subbaraj’s latest film, "Retro," is a masterful blend of genres that captivates audiences with its unique narrative. The film, which premiered with a retro trailer, promises a blend of love, action, and drama, setting the stage for a compelling cinematic experience.
The Story:
"Retro" is a deeply layered tale centered around the Buddhist philosophy of Dhammam, or universal truth. The story follows an orphaned ruffian, Paari, as he searches for his purpose. This quest for Dhammam is intertwined with a father-son story featuring a seasoned crime lord, Thilakan, and his adopted son, Paarivel Kannen (Suriya). Thilakan, a self-absorbed politician, is caught in a web of intrigue when he discovers a mysterious consignment of "Goldfishes" (a term that hints at a deeper meaning). This discovery forces Thilakan to confront his son, leading to a tense confrontation.
The Love Story:
The film also delves into a twisted, yet familiar, love story. Paari, who struggles with a psychosomatic issue, finds solace in Rukmini, a young woman who shares his pain. Their reunion is a poignant moment, as Rukmini, who has been searching for Paari for decades, finally sees him smile. This love story is fraught with conflict as Rukmini, who is initially a peace-loving character, sees the ferocious side of Paari.
The Plot:
"Retro" is a 168-minute film that is divided into four episodes: "Love," "Laughter," "War," and another climactic episode. The screenplay is divided into four episodes: "Love," which ends with Rukmini leaving Paari; "Laughter," which takes the story to an island in the Andamans; "War," which details the conflict; and another climactic episode. The film is a blend of intense action and emotional depth, with Suriya’s performance being a highlight.
The Critique:
While "Retro" is a well-crafted film, it faces some issues in the second half. The screenplay overloads the narrative with ideas that seem great on paper but end up muddying the palette. The addition of Jayaram’s character brings in some comedic elements, but the overall tone of the film becomes too heavy. The addition of a section about native tribals in the Andamans, while admirable, is not as well-integrated as it could have been.
The Star:
Suriya’s performance is a standout, bringing out the best in him as Paari. His ability to transform into different personas, from a demon to a Krishna, is impressive. The fight choreography is also praised, with Suriya’s superpower being creatively used to cater to his fanbase.
Conclusion:
Despite some flaws, "Retro" is a compelling film that explores themes of love, war, and redemption. With Suriya’s stellar performance and Karthik Subbaraj’s direction, the film is a must-watch. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s currently running in theaters.
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/retro-movie-review-suriya-karthik-subbaraj-pooja-hegde/article69521544.ece
