The Archies Review: Zoya Akhtar has brilliantly managed to bring the iconic characters from the Archie Comics to life on screen. The Netflix musical drama explores themes of friendship, love, and youthful rebellion set in the picturesque town of Riverdale. It features a cast including Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, Aditi Saigal, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Yuvraj Menda, and others, embodying the beloved characters from the comic series.

The film centers on 17-year-old students navigating the highs and lows of their school life while discovering their individual aspirations. The Indian adaptation of Riverdale centers on the Anglo-Indian community, introducing Archie (Agastya) as an ambitious character. Betty (Khushi), a kind and generous girl, who is in love with Archie, contrasts sharply with rich Veronica (Suhana Khan), freshly returned from London.

However, the storyline takes a pivotal turn when they learn that Veronica's father is planning to build a hotel at the place of the iconic 'Green Park', uniting the class of 64 to safeguard a park endangered by imminent construction.

Storyline

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's film is a modern take on the classic Archie Comics, blending music, drama, and youthful energy. It encapsulates the simplicity of picnics in parks, visits to bookshops, and engaging in reading sessions, evoking a flood of nostalgic memories. The Archies is situated in 1960s India, focusing on Archie Andrews and his group as they navigate the intricacies of friendship and romance. Director Zoya Akhtar highlighted that the film's ambiance resonates with the rock 'n' roll essence of the 1960s, capturing the era's idealism, rebellion, peace, and love.

The Archies exudes a vibe that invites a nostalgic drive. The movie emanates a dreamy aura reminiscent of the comic world. The narrative follows Archie and his companions as they navigate the realms of love, camaraderie, and the destiny of Riverdale, battling against developers aiming to dismantle a cherished park.

Cast and Direction

Khushi Kapoor and Suhana shine through with their innocence, reigniting affection for the character. The film's noteworthy aspect lies in its meticulous attention to every detail of the Anglo-Indian culture. Transporting audiences back to days of innocence, music, books, cycles, and picnic. The ensemble performances are commendable, showcasing the cherished bond among friends, reminiscent of an ideal friendship we all yearn for, even in today's generation.

Agastya Nanda's performance is brilliant, positioning him as a noteworthy talent to look forward to. The Indian adaptation introduces seven characters into the narrative—Archie portrayed by Agastya, Betty played by Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan as Veronica, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead, Vedang Raina as Reggie, Dot as Ethel, and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton. Penned by Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Ayesha Devitre, the film is a joint production by Tiger Baby, Graphic India, and Archie Comics.

The music and background score in The Archies notably enhance the viewing experience, yet they don't leave a lasting impact. However, tracks like 'Sunoh' and 'Va Va Vroom' stand out from the rest of the soundtrack, offering a memorable musical experience.

Undoubtedly, the film boasts stunning visuals and its beautiful.