Zoya Akhtar’s “The Archies” opens a portal to a world steeped in nostalgia, where the safety of familiarity meets the sparkle of a fresh Bollywood retelling. The film, while initially cloaked in the trappings of cosplay vibes and a stiff sense of nostalgia, gradually peels back the layers to reveal a reimagined take on the legendary Archie Comics.
1964’s Bollywood Canvas: Setting the Stage for a Musical Journey
Transporting audiences to an anglo-Indian hilltown in 1964, the setting feels like a customized launch pad. This picturesque backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for the unfolding drama. The film’s traditional musical format elevates emotions through song and dance, while simultaneously integrating a retro charm that permeates every frame.
Conflict without Antagonists: The Archie Universe’s Moral Code
Within this world, conflicts arise, pitting capitalism against heritage, yet refraining from painting any character as a genuine antagonist. It’s a deliberate choice rooted in the moral code of the Archie universe, ensuring that conflicts remain contained within solvable boundaries. The narrative in The Archies suggests that even the most significant disputes can be resolved with a simple gift or gesture.
Modern Agency at Play: Reshaping the Archie-Betty-Veronica Dynamic
Akhtar, along with co-writers Reema Kagti and Ayesha DeVitre Dhillon, injects the story with a modern agency that challenges the conventions of the time it stems from in this 143 minutes long movie. The dynamics among Archie, Betty, and Veronica, traditionally familiar to fans, undergo a refreshing transformation. Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor breathe life into their roles, infusing energy into the film’s musical portions.
Retro Charm and Musical Energy: Suhana Khan & Khushi Kapoor Shine
The debutantes, particularly Suhana Khan as Veronica and Khushi Kapoor as Betty, steal the spotlight in The Archies, infusing vigor into the film’s musical sequences. Founder’s balls, chic ice cream parlors, and picnics reminiscent of retro-themed parties showcase their talent, adding depth to their characters within this nostalgic yet modernized setting.
Life Lessons in Comic Idealism: Playful Staging of Adolescent Realities
Underneath the glossy surface lies a playful staging of life lessons within the idealistic comic-book setting. The characters, reimagined with depth, break free from their archetypal molds. Archie’s ‘confusion’ between Betty and Veronica, once normalized in the comics, is reframed here as an exploration of friendship and self-respect.
Breaking Stereotypical Molds: Deeper Dimensions of Archie’s World
Characters like Jughead and Ethel are presented with layers beyond their stereotypical personas. Jughead, typically depicted as girl-agnostic in the comics, is shown as someone intimidated by the opposite gender, adding complexity to his character. Ethel’s scolding of Jughead for stereotyping girls adds a refreshing twist to the narrative, transcending conventional character traits.
The Archies: Real-world Integration, Issues Grounding the Comic-Based Tale
The film subtly integrates real-world issues, touching upon post-independence pride, free press, youth empowerment, and even nepotism. These elements ground the story in a relatable context, adding layers to the characters beyond their comic origins.
Visual Flair vs. Narrative Fluidity: Assessing Akhtar’s Craft
While the film’s visual style might feel overwhelming at times, lacking the fluidity of Akhtar’s previous works, its homage to Archie’s cultural footprint is undeniable. The craftsmanship, though not without its imperfections, admirably attempts to redefine the nostalgia-driven narrative.
Homage to Cultural Footprints: Archie’s Legacy Explored Anew
In essence, “The Archies” is more than just a stroll down memory lane; it’s a Bollywood-flavored dive into familiar territory, inviting viewers to rediscover the heart-felt truths embedded within. The film implies life within Riverdale beyond the ordinary, inviting audiences to explore the rewritten history within hand-drawn comics.