The Archies Story:-
Transporting audiences to the fictional hill station of Riverdale in 1964, “The Archies” presents a delightful coming-of-age tale inspired by the beloved Archie Comics. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, this Bollywood adaptation infuses the classic story with vibrant colors, youthful energy, and a generous dose of musical comedy, making it a refreshing addition to the teen movie genre.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 7 December 2023 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Comedy, Musical, Romance |
| Cast | Mihir Ahuja, Dot, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Yuvraj Menda, Agastya Nanda, Vedang Raina |
| Director | Zoya Akhtar |
| Writer | Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, Ayesha Devitre |
| Cinematography | Nikos Andritsakis |
| Music | Ankur Tiwari, Islanders |
| Producer | Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, Sharad Devarajan |
| Production | Tiger Baby Films, Archie Comics, Graphic India |
| Certificate | 16+ |
At its core, “The Archies” revolves around the endearing friendship and adventures of Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda) and his eclectic group of friends, including Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Jughead (Mihir Ahuja), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Ethel Muggs (Dot), and Dilton Doiley (Yuvraj Menda). As they navigate the complexities of teenage life, from budding romance to social responsibility, they find themselves faced with the daunting task of saving their beloved Green Park from destruction by developers.
While the film stays true to the spirit of the Archie Comics, it also ventures into more mature territory, exploring themes of activism and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. This shift adds depth to the characters and injects a sense of urgency into the narrative, elevating it beyond mere teenage antics. The ensemble cast of fresh faces delivers commendable performances, with each actor bringing their own unique charm to their respective roles.
Suhana Khan shines as the confident and spirited Veronica Lodge, torn between her affluent upbringing and her loyalty to her friends. Agastya Nanda captures the essence of Archie Andrews, portraying him as a charming yet conflicted teenager grappling with difficult choices. Khushi Kapoor impresses as Betty Cooper, infusing her character with emotional depth and vulnerability. Vedang Raina, Dot, Mihir Ahuja, and Yuvraj Menda round out the ensemble with equally engaging performances, breathing life into their respective characters.
The film’s musical elements add another layer of enjoyment, with catchy tracks by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Ankur Tewari, The Islanders, and Dot enhancing the viewing experience. Gautam Hegde’s choreography injects energy and vitality into the musical sequences, further enhancing the film’s visual appeal.
Despite its many strengths, “The Archies” does falter in its second half, where the pacing slows down, and the resolution feels somewhat rushed. However, these minor flaws do little to detract from the overall charm and entertainment value of the film.
In conclusion, “The Archies” is a delightful cinematic experience that captures the essence of teenage friendship and adventure with warmth and sincerity. Zoya Akhtar’s creative vision, coupled with the talented ensemble cast, ensures that the film resonates with audiences of all ages, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane while also delivering a fresh and contemporary take on the beloved Archie Comics.
