1964 is the year. A struggle must force a group of youths who are as old as India itself to cross the threshold into adulthood. Alyy Khan’s character Hiram Lodge wants to build a plaza in Riverdale’s Green Park, where the town’s 8,000 or so Anglo-Indian residents have buried remnants of their past and identities in the shape of robust, beautiful trees. Obstacles, musical numbers, side stories, and an ambitious running time of more than two hours get in the way of the citizens banding together to rescue their cherished park.
The Archies should seem fanciful on paper. First of all, it’s a musical, which is Bollywood’s specialty. Second, Zoya Akhtar is completely in control of the directing duties. Last but not least, the cast includes celebrity children from the Bachchan, Khan, and Kapoor families (not that being born into an acting family is a surefire indicator or predictor of success). With that mixture and the nostalgic touch of the Archie Comics, one may expect to be pleasantly surprised. But what comes next is almost two hours of “Wait, what?” contemplation.
The Archies faces competition from a distinct category of films as an over-the-top (OTT) offering. While watching an action-packed, magnificently larger-than-life film like Pathaan or Jawan on a large screen is preferable, seeing Haseen Dillruba or Darlings on a phone, laptop, tablet, or television seems more sensible. Of course, you are completely cut off from the previous experience as a Pakistani consumer, but you do get the impression that different experiences belong on different displays.
It appears that the Archies are not a part of either. It’s not as grandiose as a conventional Bollywood masala film, which it’s obviously not trying to be in the first place. But it also lacks the energy and immersion of a normal Indian over-the-top service. The movie has moments when it feels like a joyous celebration and moments when it feels like a huge drag. Above all, it is devoid of the Zoya element, which has been demonstrated in productions such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Dhadakne Do.
That’s not to imply The Archies are a bad band. The filming quality is amazing. The world-building is excellent, and it pays homage to the original material in a manner that many other Archie Comics adaptations just cannot (Riverdale, for example). Every member of the cast is ideal for the role they are portraying. However, there seems to be a lack of nuance and compassion in the movie.
Because of this, the previously described limbo that The Archies find themselves in is a very interesting place. One may argue that this Disney meets Bollywood storyline could lead to a home theater experience. Conversely, it can be a one-trick pony that only functions because of the effort invested in The Archies.
It’s evident that a great deal of effort was put into the project. As previously said, the film pays close attention to honoring its original universe. Nonetheless, the movie frequently loses its Bollywood flavor while still honoring the original work. White names on dark bodies make me think of the essays I used to write in school, where all the other characters were either Peter or John because that’s what I had read. Once more, this cannot be attributed to the movie. This was already known by the crowd. One can, however, criticize the restraint displayed with regards to creative liberties that were available but were not used. Why not The Archies, after all, if Riverdale can manage it?
The dialogue is written as a collection of jokes, cliches, and Instagram quotes. The songs are incredibly forgettable and, at times, tedious to listen to for a Bollywood musical. Feelings stay on the surface. Two times, Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda) betrays Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor) and Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), but friendship quickly forgave them all. Betty apologizes to Veronica for kissing Archie, and they quickly hug each other to end any potential argument. The two young ladies exercise some agency when they decide that a boy won’t control their happiness and equation, but the resolution happens much too quickly to be credible.
The way the ensemble pulls these thin narrative threads together raises the possibility that the story is supposed to unfold like a comic book. Although it doesn’t fully engross you, the mannered yet genuine acting serves to remind you that the characters you see on TV are actually Veronica, Betty, Archie, or Jughead, not just the actors playing them. However, watching this Bollywood-comic blend results in a pretty abrupt experience where you feel as though you are dipping in and out of the movie.
It’s also interesting to observe that a seasoned Pakistani star steals the show among a group of Indian star youngsters, many of whom have established cinema careers. Alyy, in the role of Hiram, is a captivating, authoritative, and incredibly comfortable antagonist. Even though Hiram is the greedy, businessman personification of everything the gang opposes, he wears Hiram like a second skin, so much so that it makes one wonder about their own morality.
The Archies is ultimately…an experience. That’s the most concise way to put it. It can be a chore at times, but it can also be fun and cool. The actors alternate between giving achingly worn-out lines and projecting the essential youthful energy. Is this an essential experience? You should give it a try if you enjoy Indian movies, comic books, and Zoya. After all, why not give it a little Bollywood flair if a nostalgic trip down memory lane is in the works?
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.