In the film The Archies, Khushi Kapoor‘s vibrant energy overshadows both Agastya Nanda and Suhana Khan, although the latter’s performance gradually mesmerizes. Yet, the film’s writing lacks the lively emotion needed to keep the audience completely engaged.
Zoya Akhtar‘s Brilliance Shines Again: Unveiling a Cinematic Marvel in Her Latest Feat – The Archies. Witness the Magic as the Timeless Comics Take a Captivating Journey in this Hindi-English Adaptation!
The Archies
Bollywood’s trendsetting maven Zoya Akhtar rarely fails to leave an impression. She’s the epitome of a laid-back, spontaneous creative force whose next project is always a delightful mystery. So, when the director of the acclaimed Gully Boy (2019) chose a seemingly old comic book series for his latest film, it presented a uniquely delicious and revoltingly interesting proposition.
In The Archies our main character guides tourists through a green park, now transformed into a picturesque hill station in India. With charming bookshops run by Parsi gentlemen quoting Shakespeare and cozy salons overseen by kindly aunties, the setting sets the stage for a unique blend of cultures. At the heart of the story is the conflict between ‘public interest versus corporate interest’, as declared by Dilton Doiley (played by Yuvraj Menda) in class. The return of Veronica’s (Suhana Khan) affluent parents from London sparks conflict, as they aim to destroy the city for their gain. The teens get wind of this capitalist scheme and band together to protect Green Park and preserve Riverdale’s cherished traditions. But not before the film incorporates classic Archie elements – the enduring love triangle, Jughead’s strange gluttony, Reggie’s irresistible arrogance, and Veronica’s irresistible charm.
The Archies: A Perfect Blend of Classic Charm and Modern Conflict!
Staying true to the original names, The Archies’ narrative avoids the occasional tradition of Hindi adaptations. Zoya Akhtar, expressing her deep affection and nostalgia for comics, embraces the innocence of its world with deliberate self-awareness. She announces, or rather brags, to the world that she is moving away from the harsh and harsh realism of her previous features. In contrast to the darker reimagining of Riverdale, The Archies takes us back to the idyll of the 1960s, reflecting the innocence and romance that readers cherish in comics. Cinematographer Nikos Andritsakis’s frames seamlessly align with Akhtar’s whimsical vision. After a stellar performance in Sam Bahadur, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy makes a triumphant return, joined by Ankur Tiwari and Aditi Dot Sehgal (who also plays Ethel Muggs). Together, they validate the director’s choice – the music.
Akhtar truly deserves praise for seamlessly connecting different worlds, which is a credit to both the film’s script and dialogues. As Archie grapples with his feelings for both Betty and Veronica, his passion for Riverdale takes center stage. In the context of the film, this cause becomes a timely message, emphasizing the importance of preserving institutions, nature, and innocence – delivered with a refreshing absence of preachiness. The screenplay cleverly utilizes musical pauses within the genre, efficiently resolving the characters’ internal conflicts and establishing relationships through cinematic flourishes that keep the audience instantly engaged.
More about the Archies
Feel free to step into The Archies with a little prejudice, especially if you have doubts about the cast and their star-kid status. For your relief, this talented ensemble proves that they have undergone rigorous training for the artistic piece. Agastya Nanda has made a sincere effort to add depth to his portrayal of Archie and has successfully moved away from an insensitive personality. However, Vedang Raina, donning the guise of Reggie, steals the spotlight with lively energy reminiscent of Ranveer Singh. In her acting debut as Betty, Khushi Kapoor stands her ground confidently, fearlessly even as she competes with prima donna Veronica. Suhana Khan plays Veronica with a subtle blend of over-the-top nature and rich-kid confidence, occasionally channeling the charismatic presence of her real-life father, Shah Rukh Khan.
