Retro (2025) Hindi Dubbed HD | Free Watch & Download

**Retro (2025) Movie Review**

*Retro* is a 2025 Tamil-language romantic action drama directed by Karthik Subbaraj, starring Suriya, Pooja Hegde, Joju George, and Jayaram. Set across the 1960s to 1990s, the film follows Paarivel "Paari" Kannan (Suriya), an orphan adopted by a gangster’s wife, Sandhya, and raised in a world of violence under her husband, Thilagan (Joju George). Paari seeks to leave his criminal past behind for a peaceful life with his love, Rukmini (Pooja Hegde), but his past and a mysterious prophecy tied to his trishul-shaped birthmark pull him into conflict, betrayal, and a battle against a violent cult.

**Plot and Themes**  

The story blends romance, action, and mythological elements, exploring themes of love, redemption, and the struggle between violence and peace. Divided into chapters like "Love," "Laughter," and "War," the narrative follows Paari’s emotional journey from a rage-filled gangster to a savior figure. The film attempts to weave in social commentary, including a subplot about indigenous enslavement on a remote island, but critics note this feels disconnected from the core narrative. The tagline "Love, Laughter, War" encapsulates its ambitious mix of tones, though it struggles to balance them.

**Performances**  

Suriya delivers a standout performance, carrying the film with his intense and versatile portrayal of Paari. His action sequences, particularly a 15-minute single-shot wedding scene featuring the viral song "Kanima," showcase his physicality and emotional depth, earning widespread praise. Pooja Hegde shines as Rukmini, bringing charm to a role that breaks from her usual glamorous parts, though her character lacks a strong arc in the second half. Joju George is compelling as the cold, domineering Thilagan, while Jayaram’s quirky doctor role adds emotional and comedic layers, though some find his track jarring. Supporting actors like Nasser and Prakash Raj perform well but don’t leave a lasting impact.

**Technical Aspects**  

Karthik Subbaraj’s direction is visually striking, with Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography capturing vibrant retro aesthetics and distinct color palettes for each chapter. The 15-minute single-shot sequence is a technical highlight, blending action, dance, and drama seamlessly. Santhosh Narayanan’s music, especially "Kanima," is a major strength, with its viral hook step and energetic background score elevating key moments. However, some critics feel the BGM feels recycled or overly Tamil-centric, potentially alienating broader audiences. Editing by Shafique Mohamed Ali is criticized for pacing issues, particularly in the film’s 168-minute runtime, which feels bloated with prolonged action and subplots.

**Strengths**  

- **Suriya’s Performance**: His charisma and intensity make *Retro* a compelling watch, especially for fans.  

- **Technical Brilliance**: The single-shot sequence, vibrant visuals, and Santhosh Narayanan’s music stand out.  

- **First Half**: The initial setup, with strong character establishment and emotional stakes, is engaging and well-executed.  

- **Retro Aesthetic**: The 1960s-90s setting, costumes, and cultural references create a nostalgic vibe.

**Weaknesses**  

- **Muddled Second Half**: The shift to the "Cult" and "War" chapters introduces disjointed subplots, like the Black Island and Rubber Cult, which feel absurd or underdeveloped.  

- **Pacing Issues**: The lengthy runtime and excessive action sequences dilute emotional impact.  

- **Overstuffed Narrative**: Attempts to juggle romance, action, mythology, and social commentary result in a lack of coherence.  

- **Weak Emotional Arc**: The love story and supporting characters lose focus, making it hard to stay invested.

**Reception**  

*Retro* has received mixed reviews. Critics and fans praise Suriya’s performance, the first half, and technical aspects, with the "Kanima" sequence earning 40 million YouTube views. However, the second half’s tonal shifts and pacing issues have drawn criticism, with some calling it a “messy narrative” or “joke on the audience.” On IMDb, it holds a 7.9/10 rating, while BookMyShow reviews highlight tags like #GreatActing and #WowMusic, with 26K user reviews. X posts reflect polarized sentiment, with fans calling it a “cult classic” and others lamenting the “worst” second half. Commercially, *Retro* is a major success, grossing ₹97–250 crore worldwide against a ₹60–65 crore budget, becoming Suriya’s highest-grossing film.

**Verdict**  

 *Retro* is a visually stunning, ambitious film that shines in its first half with Suriya’s powerhouse performance and technical flair. However, its overstuffed narrative and uneven second half prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a treat for Suriya fans and those who enjoy Karthik Subbaraj’s stylistic flair, but others may find its pacing and coherence lacking. Watch it for the action, music, and Suriya’s charisma, but temper expectations for a cohesive story.