Suriya joins director Karthik Subbaraj in the highly anticipated Retro, to hit screens on May 1st. Following Suriya's recent run of disappointing theatrical releases, there's a high expectation naturally from this project. The trailer was launched at the Chennai audio event of the film and created buzz at once for its new-age presentation style.

Storyline

Sticking to the Karthik Subbaraj template, the trailer avoids going by traditional storytelling reveals. Rather than showing us directly a glimpse of the plot, Retro gives us a glimpse of an action romantic entertainer with weird characters and unusual situations. Despite the plot being tightly kept under wraps, the tone reveals to us a combination of love, action, and comedy wrapped around a retro, old-fashioned setup. There are hints of high-octane drama, stylized visuals, and moments that suggest there is a deep emotional core somewhere under the zaniness.

Positive Points

One of the most positive aspects of the Retro trailer is that it resists formula. Karthik Subbaraj bucked the trend, and the audacity radiates on every frame. Suriya can be seen in a new avatar, oozing charm and self-confidence. Pooja Hegde is elegant, and their chemistry works too. The supporting cast of artists – Joju George, Jayaram, and Karunakaran – brings weight and enigma to the venture, giving the impression that there is an entire series of characters.

Technically, the graphics are nice and glossy, living up to the retro theme with panache. Santhosh Narayanan's score is lively and goes along as per the vibe of the trailer. Production value is fine due to the financial support of 2D Entertainment, owned by Suriya and Jyotika.

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Negative Points

While the unorthodox style is lauded, the absence of cohesive narrative in the trailer may confuse or alienate some. Viewers who thrive on clarity of vision may be unable to connect with the piecemeal bits of storytelling hints. The queerness of the trailer, whatever the intention, may be an achievement or failure based on individual taste.

Overall: Retro's teaser is cool, glossy, and cryptic. Karthik Subbaraj's off-beat imagination and Suriya's charisma can turn out to be the alchemy formula for which people had been waiting anxiously. Provided that the film succeeds in making its trailer-sized buzz a real success, Retro can be an experiment-changing foray for both the actor as well as the director.