Agastya Nanda’s “The Archies” Movie Review
Rating: 3.8/5
“The Archies” takes us back to the enchanting year of 1964 in the picturesque town of Riverdale, North India. A group of seven inseparable friends—Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Jughead Jones (Mihir Ahuja), Ethel Muggs (Aditi Saigal aka Dot.), and Dilton Doiley (Yuvraj Menda)—navigates the challenges of adolescence amidst the lush surroundings of their beloved Green Park.
Trouble brews as Hiram Lodge (Alyy Khan) unveils plans to demolish Riverdale’s essential shops for a grand plaza and convert the serene Green Park into a luxury hotel. The friends find themselves caught in the crossfire of change, struggling with personal dilemmas and conflicts. Archie grapples with love and aspirations, Reggie yearns to contribute to his father’s newspaper, and Dilton harbors a deep secret, while Ethel’s ambition tests her relationships.
The narrative unfolds with Ayesha Devitre Dhillon, Reema Kagti, and Zoya Akhtar’s promising storyline, capturing the essence of teenage camaraderie and the political undertones of the era. While the screenplay keeps audiences engaged, the film lacks a surplus of funny and emotional moments. Farhan Akhtar’s dialogues are conversational, and Veronica’s witty one-liners add a modern touch to the ’60s setting.
Zoya Akhtar’s direction deserves applause for crafting a fictional world that immerses viewers in the lives of teenagers with finesse. Riverdale comes alive on screen, showcasing landmark spots and making the town a character in itself. The film beautifully delves into the teenagers’ dilemmas, with standout scenes like Archie and Betty’s date and the candid confession between Betty and Veronica.
However, “The Archies” falls short of delivering the expected ‘Wow’ factor that usually accompanies Zoya Akhtar’s films. Some conflicts seem superficial, and the film indulges in too many songs. The debutants, while commendable, don’t deliver exceptional performances.
Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, and Khushi Kapoor make sincere attempts, with room for growth. Vedang Raina impresses with his dashing presence, and Mihir Ahuja steals scenes with his humor. The supporting cast, led by Alyy Khan, Satyajit Sharma, Vinay Pathak, Luke Kenny, and Suhaas Ahuja, leaves a remarkable impact.
The music, despite the surplus of songs, shines with ‘Sunoh’ and ‘Yeh Saari Aawazein,’ offering soulful moments. The background score by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Jim Satya complements the film’s mood. Nikos Andritsakis’ cinematography captures the breathtaking locales, and Suzanne Caplan Merwanji’s production design deserves accolades.
In conclusion, “The Archies” proves to be an engaging entertainer, destined for Netflix success. Its captivating setting, family-friendly theme, stylish presentation, soulful music, and the debut of star kids ensure a sizable viewership. While it may not evoke a resounding ‘Wow,’ the film seamlessly blends love, friendship, and political intrigue, making it a worthwhile watch for audiences of all ages.