Karthik Subbaraj, the acclaimed director behind films like Jigarthanda and Pizza, is about to take audiences on a different journey with his upcoming film Retro, starring Suriya. Known for his unpredictable storytelling, Subbaraj is stepping into unfamiliar territory—love—after exploring psychological thrillers and dark comedies in his previous works.
"People expect me to do crime, thrillers, dark comedies," Subbaraj says, laughing, "but Retro is a love story. That is what it is at its heart." Set in the 1990s and infused with nostalgia, action, and vintage gangster aesthetics, Retro may initially appear to be a typical action film, but for Subbaraj, it is much more. The movie is built on the theme of love as a transformative force, which shapes the characters in profound ways.
In Retro, Suriya plays a former gangster trying to escape his violent past. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love, but it’s not the conventional redemption arc. "It’s about a man who doesn’t even know what peace feels like until he meets someone who makes him believe it’s possible," Subbaraj explains. The tension between the character's violent past and the possibility of a peaceful future is where the romance finds its space.
While Subbaraj is known for his grungy aesthetics and intricate narratives, Retro challenges him to make love feel genuine, particularly in a world built on toughness and violence. "It’s easy to make action look cool. But to make love feel real, especially in a world like this—that’s the challenge. You have to earn it."
The film’s emotional core is anchored by the chemistry between Suriya and Pooja Hegde. "Their chemistry, their silences, the way they look at each other—it’s about subtle shifts, glances, restraint," says Subbaraj, emphasizing the depth of their performances. Despite the film's 90s swagger and action-packed sequences, the true essence of Retro lies in its heartfelt exploration of love.
For Subbaraj, Retro marks a shift from his stylish, dark narratives to a more emotionally transparent story. "At the end of the day, style can grab your attention, but it’s emotion that stays with you. And in Retro, that emotion is love."
