Seven buddies are the subject of THE ARCHIES. It’s 1964. Riverdale is a charming town in North India where Anglo-Indians live. It is home to 17-year-old 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). They have a close bond with one another and Riverdale’s Green Park Park. A plaza will be created in its place when Hiram Lodge (Alyy Khan) destroys the stores along a vital stretch of Riverdale. This means that Betty’s father’s bookstore, owned by Hal (Satyajit Sharma), must close. If that’s still not enough, Hiram intends to build a five-star hotel by chopping down trees in Green Park. Hiram wins over Town Council Chief Dawson (Vinay Pathak) by requesting that he approve the hotel’s order.
On the other hand, Hiram made sure his name was not mentioned. In the meantime, the seven friends are having difficulty adjusting to the changes in their picturesque village. They are contending with internal conflict as well. It’s unclear to Archie whether he is more in love with Betty or Veronica. To his father Fred’s dismay (Suhaas Ahuja), he also wishes to relocate to London to pursue further education. Luke Kenny plays Reggie Mantle, who aspires to be a comic and write for the newspaper owned by his father, Ricky Mantle. But because he values genuine journalism, Ricky declines. While Dilton keeps a very dark secret, Ethel’s ambition gets in the way of her ability to interact with others. The rest of the movie revolves around what occurs next.
The future seems bright for Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon. The script by Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon is passable. It maintains interest in the events occurring. But one wishes the movie had more poignant and humorous moments. Farhan Akhtar’s dialogue is conversational, yet Veronica’s one-liners are clever. Strangely, the one-liners don’t fit the 1960s, but that’s okay.
The guidance of Zoya Akhtar is straightforward. She should be commended for creating a fictional world unlike anything else and for doing it correctly. One quickly becomes engrossed in Riverdale and even gains an understanding of the town’s notable locations. Teenagers’ lives are shown in such a way rarely found in Hindi films, which makes it fascinating to watch. A number of their problems are portrayed quite well. The scene when Betty and Veronica confess the truth and the date between Archie and Betty are the two that stick out. There are strong political undertones, and there are also contemporary events that bear comparison. Despite their best efforts to include a minor suspenseful twist, the finale is obvious.
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On the other hand, the movie never elicits the “Wow” factor that fans of Zoya Akhtar films anticipate. A handful of the disputes are petty and even helpful. Much too many songs are included. In conclusion, the rookies’ performances are passable but not spectacular.
Agastya Nanda tries hard enough. He has a lot of potential, but he seemed a little undeveloped in a few situations in THE ARCHIES. Suhana Khan is in the same boat. However, she deserves praise for playing the spoilt brat so well. With her poised demeanor, Khushi Kapoor sincerely tries to serve justice. The fair Vedang Raina has a striking appearance. The person that makes the most people laugh is Mihir Ahuja. Dot is doing well despite getting little screen time. Yuvraj Menda has a beautiful voice, and people can notice how he says “thank you.”
Regarding the supporting ensemble, Luke Kenny and Suhaas Ahuja follow Alyy Khan, Satyajit Sharma, and Vinay Pathak in leaving a lasting impression. Even in supporting parts, Puja Sarup (as Mrs. Otters) and James Alter (as Mike Gomes, a council member) shine. Sheena Khalid, the new salon owner, Delnaaz Irani, Alice Cooper, and Tara Sharma are wasted.
THE ARCHIES has too many songs, but “Sunoh” and “Yeh Saari Aawazein” are the two that have the most significant impact. The latter features moving lyrics and is released at a pivotal moment (Javed Akhtar). It’s unexpected to see “Everything Is Politics.” The beautifully choreographed dances “Va Va Voom” and “Dhishoom Dhishoom” are based on intriguing concepts. “In Raahon Mein” and “Jab Tum Na Thee” are acceptable. The background score by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Jim Satya complements the tone and atmosphere of the movie.
Just as stunning as the locations shown in the movie is the cinematography by Nikos Andritsakis. The production design by Suzanne Caplan Merwanji has won awards. The settings are convincing and intriguing at the same time. Fashionable and perhaps trending are Poornamrita Singh’s costumes. Superb VFX may be found in Philm CGI, Netfx Mumbai, and Cinegence VFX. Editor Nitin Baid does a great job.
The intriguing setting, family- and kid-friendly concept, style, music, message, and, most importantly, the thrill of seeing the premiere of the most talked-about star kids in recent memory make THE ARCHIES an excellent entertainment overall that will attract a sizable audience on Netflix.