The Archies: The power of nostalgia
I was all too eager to be the first to catch Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies ahead of my friends and cousins, reminiscent of my childhood ritual in the sixties of acquiring freshly sourced Archie comics. The iconic characters of Veronica Lodge, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, and the ever-quirky Jughead, smiling from the glossy comic book covers, carried a heady teenage allure. Zoya Akhtar’s venture transported me back to the vibrancy of adolescence, evoking a powerful whiff of nostalgia.
As a young girl, I would delve into the lives of Archie and the gang at Riverdale High; one day styling my hair like Veronica, and the next, embodying the warmth of Betty Cooper. Much like the characters in the film, our group of girls had a band, dubbing ourselves “The Three Musketeers of Saint Anthony’s.” Our post-school conversations, much like the movie, revolved around the charm of Reggie Mantle and the undeniable cuteness of Archie Andrews.
Anglo-Indian Archie
Zoya Akhtar skillfully transplants the iconic Archie Comics to 1960s India, with families now being Anglo-Indian instead of American. The film beautifully explores teenage crushes, budding romances, friendships, and the challenges faced by the residents of the fictional town of Riverdale, as developers threaten their beloved Green Park. The meticulous attention to detail in recreating the retro aesthetics—curled hair, chic bangs, high ponytails, short dresses, candy-colored petticoats, and go-go glasses—immerses the audience in a vivid portrayal of the era.
The young ’uns deliver
The ensemble cast, featuring debut performances from Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi “Dot” Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda, injects youthful energy into the film. While the casting choices raised eyebrows with three of the lead actors – Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda and Khushi Kapoor – being star kids, the actors’ on-screen ease and confidence mitigated any concerns of a miscast.
Director Zoya Akhtar, along with co-writers Reema Kagti and Ayesha DeVitre, create a visually appealing spectacle. Nikos Andritsakis’ cinematography beautifully captures the charm of 1960s hillside cottages in Ooty. The soundtrack, featuring compositions by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and Ankur Tiwari, enhances the nostalgic atmosphere, with the catchy number “Va-va Voom” promising to be a hit at New Year’s Eve parties.
Not deep enough to bridge generations
Despite these strengths, the collective appearance of numerous Bollywood star kids may leave some with a sense of disquiet. However, the film succeeds in providing a platform for these budding talents, with standout performances from Suhana Khan and Vedang Raina.
Zoya Akhtar’s attempt to bridge the gap between Archie comic fans and millennials is commendable, though it doesn’t quite achieve that level of euphoria. The Archies seems to align more with the slick approach of a Barbie movie, lacking the emotional depth that might connect with both baby boomers and Gen Z.
In the end, The Archies at best offers a nostalgic rollercoaster ride and serves as a launch pad for Bollywood’s rising stars.
The film is streaming on Netflix.
