Suriya’s last film Retro, helmed by Karthik Subbaraj, arrived with great expectations, considering the director’s track record of coming out with engaging and unique narratives. The audience and critics in general were looking forward to a thrilling and new movie experience.
Nevertheless, Retro did not live up to an impression at the. And disappointed many viewers. Notably, even director Karthik Subbaraj allegedly told a couple of friends that the final film did not completely reflect his intentions, and felt inconsistent in some areas.
In recent interviews, Karthik spoke about the journey of the film outside cinemas. Although Retro performed poorly in theatrical release, it met a warmer welcome on OTT platforms, becoming popular among Tamil viewers as well as Telugu and other language viewers.
To leverage this increasing online interest, Karthik is in talks with streaming giant Netflix to reboot Retro as an extended limited web series. This new version will not merely involve adding cut scenes, with alterations in the narrative meant to provide the viewer with an entirely new and improved viewing experience.
Taking a theatrical movie and turning it into a virtual nearly five-hour series is not only innovative but also bold. If it works, this might become a new standard for what is done in adapting films for streaming audiences.
The extended Retro web series is expected to premiere on Netflix in the coming three to four months. Starring Suriya alongside Pooja Hegde, this digital version aims to give Retro the second chance it deserves to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
