Suriya's Latest Film 'Retro': A Misguided Attempt at Innovation

A Challenging Role for Suriya

Actors who reach the height of fame often struggle to find roles that truly challenge their abilities. Currently, Suriya is in a position where he needs to showcase his acting skills, yet the scripts he is selecting do not align with his ambitions.

The Flawed Concept of 'Retro'

Retro presents itself as a misguided attempt at humor, mistakenly believing it to be cutting-edge. The film's premise seems to lack any logical foundation, aiming instead to deliver a shock that might leave Suriya's fans either astonished or dismayed.

A Distorted Family Dynamic

Writer-director Karthik Subbaraj twists the typical family dynamics seen in Tamil cinema into something dark and poorly executed. During his wedding, Paari (Suriya), who comes from a troubled background, violently injures his foster father Thilagan (Joju George), who is underutilized in this role.

Comparisons to Previous Works

The conflict between Paari and Thilagan draws parallels to the dynamic between Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan in Thug Life, but Joju George's portrayal of Thilagan lacks the nuance that Haasan brought to his character. Retro offers no subtlety.

A Grotesque Narrative

From its violent beginnings, the screenplay evolves into something grotesque, seemingly mocking conventional commercial cinema. At one point, the story shifts to an island where Paari's ex-wife, played by Pooja Hegde, is an animal lover amidst deer hunters.

A Confusing Mash-Up

The film feels like a confusing blend of three poorly executed stories, with Suriya's attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife being the only redeeming aspect, though it is ultimately overshadowed by senseless chaos.

A Missed Opportunity

What is the purpose of this film? It lacks coherence and seems to aim for a clever, stylish presentation but ends up being a significant misstep for Subbaraj, who previously had a successful track record.

Conclusion

Retro is filled with misguided attempts at creativity, aiming to explore themes of patriarchal conflict and enduring love, but instead results in a complete disregard for quality and star power. While audiences are eager to see Suriya in unexpected roles, this film feels more like a punishment for both the actor and viewers.

Final Thoughts

Suriya's character in Retro remains expressionless, and unfortunately, so do the viewers throughout the film.