Retta Thala Movie Review: A compact action thriller that relies on Arun Vijay’s dual strength

Retta Thala, the latest action thriller headlined by Arun Vijay and directed by Maan Karate, Gethu fame Kris Thirukumaran, arrives in theaters with the promise of a compact, no-nonsense genre outing.

The film opens by introducing Kaali (Arun Vijay), a man living in hiding for years, burdened by crimes from his past. Through flashbacks set in Pondicherry, we learn about his upbringing and his long-standing relationship with Anthre (Siddhi Idnani). Their love, rooted in childhood, begins to strain when Anthre’s practical worldview clashes with Kaali’s idealism. Her belief that love alone cannot sustain a fulfilling life becomes the emotional trigger that pushes Kaali into uncertainty.

A chance encounter changes everything. Kaali meets Uppendra (Arun Vijay again), a mysterious, immensely wealthy man whose background remains deliberately opaque. Following an unexpected turn of events, Kaali assumes Uppendra’s identity, thrusting him into a dangerous world he barely understands. The first half largely revolves around this transition, laying out the stakes while introducing shadowy figures from Goa who seem desperate to eliminate Uppendra.

The second half shifts gears into a relentless cat-and-mouse chase. With Anthre now fully invested in exploring the fortune Uppendra left behind, the narrative leans heavily into action, twists and confrontations. The screenplay remains brisk, aided by a crisp runtime of just 113 minutes, ensuring the film rarely overstays its welcome. A notable twist in the pre-climax adds a layer of surprise, reinforcing the film’s intent to keep audiences guessing till the end.

Performance wise, this is unmistakably Arun Vijay’s film. He differentiates Kaali’s emotional vulnerability from Uppendra’s swagger and menace with conviction. His physicality, especially in the action blocks, remains a major strength.

Siddhi Idnani breaks away from the conventional heroine mould, playing a character driven by ambition and pragmatism rather than passive romance. Supporting actors John Vijay, Hareesh Peradi, Yogesh and Balaji Murugadoss serve their roles effectively, while Tanya Ravichandran makes a brief but noticeable impact.

Sam CS’s background score elevates the tension throughout, with the song “Kannamma,” sung by Dhanush, standing out as the film’s lone musical highlight. Tijo Tomy’s cinematography and Anthony’s sharp editing lend the film a sleek, stylish finish. Kris Thirukumaran’s writing and direction keep Retta Thala engaging, though sharper dialogues and stronger casting in a few supporting roles could have further elevated the experience.

To sum it up, Retta Thala is a tightly packed action thriller powered by Arun Vijay’s commanding screen presence. While not flawless, it remains engaging till its final frame, making it a worthwhile theatrical watch for action fans.

Retta Thala Movie Rating: 3.25/5