'Retro' director Karthik Subbaraj opens up about the impact of online reviews on filmmakers

Karthik Subbaraj, the director of the recently released film 'Retro', starring Suriya, has shared his thoughts on online reviews and how they affect filmmakers. The film, which came out on May 1, has garnered a mix of reviews but has performed well at the box office. Despite the varied reactions, Karthik Subbaraj emphasized the importance of filmmakers deciding their own success rather than relying on external opinions.
Karthik Subbaraj shares his decision to ignore online reviews after 'Retro' experience
In an interview with Cine Ulagam, Karthik Subbaraj revealed that he has made a conscious decision not to pay attention to online reviews. He explained that his experience with 'Retro' has taught him that many reviews carry hidden agendas. He stated that while he doesn't disregard all online reviews, he can often sense whether they are honest or not. This realization came after working on 'Retro', where he felt the need to separate personal views from the external noise.
Karthik Subbaraj highlights the hard work behind making a film
Karthik Subbaraj also pointed out the hard work that goes into making a film. With a team of 150 to 200 people, every film represents a collective dream. The joy of seeing the film release and resonate with audiences is something special, he added. However, some reviews, according to him, seem to discourage the team from celebrating their achievements, which he finds unjust. He stressed that filmmakers should not let reviews overshadow their passion for their work.
Karthik Subbaraj stresses that filmmakers, not reviews, should define their success
Ultimately, Karthik Subbaraj emphasized that the success of a film should be determined by the filmmakers themselves, based on how the audience reacts to it. "We should be the ones to decide whether we have succeeded or not, not others," he concluded. His statement underscores the importance of staying true to the work and trusting the audience's response rather than external validation.