Karthik Subbaraj's 'Retro' represents one of the most ambitious genre-blending attempts in recent Tamil cinema, anchored by a career-best performance from Suriya. This sprawling 168-minute epic weaves together gangster drama, philosophical musings, and an unconventional love story into a narrative centered around the Buddhist concept of 'Dhammam' (universal truth/purpose).
The Narrative Structure
The film follows Paarivel Kannen aka Paari (Suriya), an adopted son of crime lord Thilakan (Joju George), who rebels against his father's ways. The story is divided into four distinct episodes:
What Works Brilliantly
1. Suriya's Career-Defining Performance: As Paari, Suriya delivers arguably his most nuanced performance yet - portraying a character who evolves from a hardened criminal to a laughing Buddha figure. His physical transformation and emotional range are remarkable.
2. Technical Prowess: The 15-minute single-take sequence showcasing Paari's dual life is a masterclass in cinematography and choreography. The Andaman sequences are visually stunning.
3. Philosophical Depth: The Buddhist themes of Dhammam add layers rarely seen in mainstream Tamil cinema. The metaphor of Paari's smile (or lack thereof) is powerfully executed.
4. Supporting Cast: Joju George as Thilakan and Pooja Hegde as Rukmini deliver career-best performances. Jayaram provides effective comic relief.
What Doesn't Quite Work
1. Pacing Issues: At 168 minutes, the film feels overstuffed, particularly in the second half where multiple subplots compete for attention.
2. Uneven Tone: The shift from gangster drama to philosophical parable isn't always smooth, with some sequences feeling tonally inconsistent.
3. Underdeveloped Subplots: The tribal community storyline, while admirable in intent, feels rushed. Rukmini's character disappears for long stretches.
Key Highlights
- The breathtaking single-take sequence showing Paari's dual life
- Suriya's physical transformation and emotional range
- Pooja Hegde's career-best performance as Rukmini
- The Andaman sequences' visual grandeur
- Clever fan-service references (including the nod to 'Irumbu Kai Maayavi')
Final Verdict
'Retro' is an ambitious, flawed masterpiece that showcases Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj at their most daring. While the film's sprawling narrative sometimes buckles under its own weight, it represents the kind of risk-taking Tamil cinema needs more of. For Suriya fans and cinephiles alike, this is essential viewing - a film that will be discussed and analyzed for years to come.
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