Photo credit: www.news18.com
Last Updated: April 26, 2025, 19:32 IST
Karthik Subbaraj’s Retro: A Love Story Set in the 90s
Karthik Subbaraj takes the helm of Suriya’s much-anticipated film, Retro.
Known for his gripping action and psychological thrillers like Pizza and Jigarthanda, Karthik Subbaraj pivots to a romantic narrative with Retro. This shift is refreshing for audiences accustomed to his usual genre fare. He acknowledged the allure of depicting action but highlighted the inherent complexities of convincingly portraying genuine love on screen.
“People often associate me with crime dramas, thrillers, and dark comedies,” Subbaraj shared. “However, Retro is fundamentally a love story.”
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, Retro promises a nostalgic experience, combining elements of romance with action and stylistic storytelling reminiscent of classic gangster films. Subbaraj aims to delve into profound themes through this nostalgic lens, stating, “My previous works have always had an emotional centerpiece, but this time, I wanted romance to lead the narrative. It’s about more than just a man and a woman; it’s about love as a force of transformation, a catalyst for character growth.”
In the film, Suriya portrays a former gangster striving to break free from his violent history, only to confront emotional turmoil upon finding love. “This isn’t the typical redemption storyline,” Karthik clarified. “It’s about a man who has never known tranquility until he meets someone who rekindles hope within him. The dynamic between his past and his aspirations is where the romance flourishes.”
Famed for his gritty style and intricate storytelling, Subbaraj recognizes the unique challenges posed by centering a narrative on romance. “While action sequences can easily captivate an audience, conveying authentic emotions, especially in a turbulent setting, is the true test. It’s something that must be developed convincingly.”
The chemistry between Suriya and co-star Pooja Hegde plays a crucial role in conveying this emotion. “Their dynamics—through shared silences and mutual glances—rely on nuanced interactions and restraint,” the director elaborated.
“Ultimately, while style may initially captivate viewers, it’s the emotional resonance that endures. In Retro, that essence is unequivocally love,” Karthik Subbaraj concluded, hinting that this might be his most expressive film to date.
Retro is set to premiere on May 25.
Source
www.news18.com