Film Review
By SUNITA VIJAYOverlooking the overlooked elements, the youthful energy, spirited songs, and gorgeous backdrop make it a ‘feel good’ experience.
If a comparison is made between Zoya’s previous deliveries and this one, it will fall short in depth, dialogue, storyline and much more. However, ‘The Archies’, created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, is a delightful ensemble of fresh faces exuding cheerful vibes against the backdrop of a captivating period story and an array of wonderful musical tracks. Archie first appeared in Pep Comics #22 in 1941, quickly becoming the comic’s most popular character. Owing to his popularity, he was given his own series, which debuted in Winter 1942 and was titled ‘Archie Comics’.
Zoya has an efficacious talent for spirited storytelling. Her work breathes life into characters plucked from the iconic Archie comics. The visual magic she weaves is embellished by poetic songs and splendid dances, creating a fictional, fairytale-like sunny town named Riverdale in the 1960s, where the Anglo-Indian community thrives. The picturesque setting features fallen leaves lining the roads, majestic old trees with clawed roots that make them resemble trained, larger versions of bonsais, manicured lawns, and an old-time dreamland town with shops and well-kept houses. Everything about this town is picture-perfect, seemingly brought right from the comic pages, transporting viewers to a bygone era.
The film ingeniously embeds intricate details in every aspect, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The story features comic characters Archie, Veronica, Betty, Jughead, Reggie, Dilton, and Ethel, played by Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, Yuvraj Menda, and Aditi Dot, respectively. These seven carefree friends ooze vibrancy, teen innocence, and pure heart. In their final year of high school, they have future plans that are typical of teenagers and influenced by their backgrounds.
As the narrative unfolds, the idyllic life in Riverdale faces a threat when the town catches the interest of a greedy businessman. The looming development risks the iconic Green Park, a place cherished for flourishing memories in each household. In response, a magnificent group of seven kids steps into adulthood, addressing the serious issue. A poignant dialogue echoes: “Welcome to adulthood.”
Archie leads a musical band. His character, laced with the confusion typical of a teenager, is beautifully depicted. He loves and dates two girls simultaneously, who are also best friends. He says, ‘I wish I had two hearts.’ His friend promptly replies, ‘I wish you had one brain.’ There are some crisp dialogues, but most are heard-before ones, and that is where this movie falters.
Jughead is a glutton who loves burgers and works at Pop Tate’s. In one scene, he is lured with sumptuous delicacies to coax the truth out of him.
Betty is sweet, patient, benevolent, and Archie’s next-door neighbour. She sees goodness in all things.
Reggie is handsome and confident, well aware of his looks. Dilton is the smartest teenager in the school. Ethel has an enthralling charm and a conscious soul.
Veronica is a privileged girl, unaware of many of life’s realities. She is the daughter of Hiram Lodge (Alyy Khan), an ambitious, astute businessman who returns to India to build a hotel in the beloved Green Park of Riverdale Town.
With a calculative mind, Vinay Pathak is the council head and Mr Lodge’s criminal partner. Luke Kenny and Delnaaz Irani too were impressive.
‘The Archies’ is crafted with a distinct mindset. Music dominates the narration, with emotions expressed through songs. The film aims to stay true to the comic’s flavour, which may render the characters, their costumes, neat homes, and the town somewhat removed from the real world.
The composers Ankur Tewari (Dehradun boy), Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics by Javed Akhtar, Zoya, Shibani Akhtar, and Saigal create truly magical moments. The man behind the impeccable dance moves is Ganesh Hegde.
Costume designer Poornamrita Singh and hairstylist Avan Contractor provide the retro costumes and hairstyles in The Archies, making everything believable of its era.
‘The Archies’ template offers an enjoyable watch for a relaxed evening, perhaps while sitting on a cosy sofa and sipping coffee. Undeniably, the depth and background of the characters have been merely scratched. Maybe the focus is on launching the kid brigade of stalwarts of Indian Cinema through this fairytale film!
They look good and make for a refreshing watch. To progress further, they need to polish their rough edges. Dialogue delivery remains weak, as they sound contemporary in many scenes. The accent doesn’t gel with the period the film represents.
Zoya artfully hypnotizes the audience with what she wants to show, using spectacular frames: kids cycling through picturesque roads, the inviting fare at Green Park, the ball in school, the park scene, and the cosy homes; all ooze with perfection.
The Archies should be viewed solely for its youthful vibes and enchanting visuals, especially when cinema is filled with melancholy and violent themes.
It is currently streaming on Netflix.
Keeping Mussoorie flag flying high is Jamie Alter (son of veteran actor Tom Alter) who makes his pleasant appearance in the film. Alter plays Mike Gomes, the City Council member of Riverdale, who is against the proposal of the town’s cherished Green Park from being razed for a hotel to be constructed. He is the lone member who’s on the side of The Archies gang that comprises of Archies, Veronica, Betty, Ethel, Reggie, Jughead and Dilton.
