Retro is Surya's weakest movie to date, featuring a mediocre script in the second half and distracting visuals. Although it starts on a promising note, the story loses momentum when the heroine leaves the hero for the second time. The script then becomes dull and unbearable. The worst part is the last 10 minutes, which feature a mindless climax.
However, Surya's performance is highly commendable, and the action sequences are top-notch. As usual, Pooja Hegde delivers an average performance, showing little realistic facial expression and playing a limited role confined to crying, listening, and looking upset. She barely speaks for even five minutes throughout the entire film.