Will the Extended Version of Retro Change Its Fate?
Actor Suriya and director Karthik Subbaraj teamed up for the much-hyped film Retro, but the project fell flat both critically and commercially. Despite solid expectations and a high-profile cast, the film was panned for its dragging screenplay, underdeveloped conflict, and lack of emotional depth. After a lukewarm theatrical run, the film was released on Netflix, but it failed to generate any notable traction in the OTT space as well.
Karthik Subbaraj Plans a 40-Minute Extended Version
In a surprising move, director Karthik Subbaraj recently revealed his intention to release an extended version of Retro with 40 minutes of additional footage. In a recent interview, Subbaraj said,
“I want the audience to experience the full vision of Retro. The extended cut will add depth to the emotional arcs and action sequences, giving more space to the film’s spiritual and cult angles.”
He added that the new version will be split into 4–5 episodes, each running around 40 minutes, offering a more detailed and episodic storytelling format. The director is currently in talks with Netflix to roll it out within the next 3–4 months.
Can the Extended Cut Win Audiences Back?
Social media has been largely skeptical of this announcement. Many viewers feel that once a film has been rejected by the audience, adding extra minutes won’t revive it. Some commented:
“Once a film bombs, obsessing over it doesn’t help. Move on and make the next one better.”
Others feel the move could alienate even more viewers, especially since many were already disappointed by the current version and may not be inclined to give the extended cut a chance.
What’s Next for Subbaraj?
While Karthik Subbaraj is known for his offbeat storytelling and cult hits like Jigarthanda and Petta, Retro has become a rare misstep. The pressure is now on him to deliver a stronger project next time, hopefully learning from the mixed reception of Retro.
Whether the extended version finds success or not, it has certainly reopened the debate about directors revisiting their films post-release.
