The Archies
Zoya Akhtar’s adaptation of the Riverdale narrative universe into an Indian setting may seem like another example of brand colonization, but it’s much more than that. Zoya Akhtar and her writer team half-succeeded with their film adaptation of The Archies comic book in an Indian setting the moment they chose to set the story with an Anglo-Indian backdrop in the 1960s and on a hill station.
But then, you can never win a battle by winning only half of it. Can you?
That’s where Zoya, the director comes into play. This movie adaptation of an American comic book is a movie like no other. Not only does Zoya’s The Archies transports the beloved characters (for those of us who have read the comic book/strips) from the iconic Archie comics to a mesmerizing fantasy world in 1960s India but it also fully leans onto the original material including the aesthetics and does not give in to any temptation towards irony. With its unwavering charm and heartfelt approach, this film sets itself apart by embracing its source material and infusing it with a unique cultural twist.
This film is a catchy and well-choreographed musical that seamlessly blends Indian and Western cultures. That’s where the genius of telling the story through characters from an Anglo-Indian milieu works big time. While you’re grooving along to some catchy songs by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, you’ll also discover hidden subversive themes and a few somewhat loosely built thought-provoking moments (of which I wished there were more of). With its unique blend of guilt-free pleasure and ridiculousness, this charmingly goofy, and mostly harmless musical is a must-watch for all The Archies fans and for those who are looking for some light-hearted entertainment.
Riverdale, a fictional Northern Indian paradise is an enchanting town reminiscent of the beautiful “hill station” villages. Established by Sir John Riverdale in 1914, this vibrant community symbolizes the spirit of post-Independence India, overflowing with affluent and lively Anglo-Indian residents. This is a world filled with innocence and pure-hearted moments. Bookstore owners want to encourage young readers, while ice-cream shop owners craft customized milkshakes to perfection. Friendships flourish even in the face of romantic rivalry. Love and acceptance are found in the most unexpected places for gay boys searching for connection. Teenage girls pour their hearts into dear diaries, capturing their deepest emotions. And even the most ruthless corporate executives humbly acknowledge defeat. Experience a world where goodness prevails and genuine moments of humanity shine brightly.
And on top of it all, Riverdale’s youth sing, dance, and embark on innocent and romantic adventures, just as you remember from the original comics. The main story revolves around a group of teenage kids navigating their changing world. They’re unaware of the unsavory plans of local oligarch Mr. Lodge and his quest to construct a grand hotel in the heart of the town’s Green Park.
We get to follow the irresistible Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda) as he faces the dilemma of choosing between the sophisticated Veronica (Suhana Khan) and the soulful wallflower Betty (Khushi Kapoor). Caught in the timeless struggle of young love, Archie’s decisions have more at stake than he realizes. Will he succumb to the pressures and move to London, leaving behind his devoted father Fred (Suhaas Ahuja)? The surprising answers to these questions may not be earth-shattering, but they will still captivate you. However, the real challenge lies in gathering enough signatures to prevent the rezoning of Green Park.
While Riverdale’s kids do sing about politics, the everyday concerns they raise are mere distractions from the actual trials and tribulations of their lives. As we journey alongside them, we witness their growth and enlightenment through delightful and familiar set pieces. The Archies wonderfully celebrates the beauty of youth by allowing its characters to be adorable, sometimes clueless, and entirely self-absorbed. One can’t help but wonder if this approach is sufficient, especially when framed within a period setting. Yet, the film’s infectious simplicity, showcased through its catchy songs, captivating dance choreography (Zoya Akhtar is a master of song choreography and I just loved Va Va Voom), and uncomplicated storytelling, turns lack of sophistication into a virtue rather than a flaw.
In a refreshing departure from the norm, The Archies refuses to pathologize supporting characters like Jughead (Mihir Ahuja) and Moose (Rudra Mahuvarkar). Instead, it embraces their unique quirks and endearing imperfections, transforming them into integral parts of the narrative. Amongst the ensemble cast (which has been the target of criticism right from the moment they were announced and many of them were termed Nepo kids), Suhana Khan stands out, delivering a decent performance that complements the talented group. But it is the wonderfully basic nature of each character that allows the entire cast to truly shine. And it’s just the nature of the storytelling that makes you really look past all the acting flaws.
Director Zoya Akhtar could have taken bolder risks with both the film’s aesthetic and its exploration of community spirit. On the other hand, sometimes, it is enough for a genre movie to pay homage to its roots while adding its own unique flavor. This is precisely what The Archies accomplishes with its heartfelt and affectionate tribute to the corny yet beloved characters we’ve all grown to adore.
In Zoya Akhtar’s version of The Archies, even a simple song and dance number can be absolutely enchanting, as we witness a perpetually hungry teenager mesmerized by a group of rollerskating beauties, clad in high-waisted shorts, polka-dot blouses, and red bowties. For Zoya Akhtar and her collaborators, their influences, both in ideology and style, are worn with a light touch, allowing the film’s originality and charm to shine through. I couldn’t quite tell where the inspirations must have come from but there sure were many for the dance numbers and yet the dance numbers in this film create their own delightful world.
While it would have been intriguing to hear The Archies band, which lends its name to the film and may be try to incorporate some 1960s Bollywood pop standards into their playlist, there is something captivating about the blending of anglicized and Hindi lyrics. Once again, the Anglo-Indian milieu comes handy. These songs break boundaries, offering a refreshing mix of cultures and reminding us to cherish the simple pleasures in life.
As one character (Dilton Doiley, played brilliantly by Yuvraj Menda) aptly summarizes, echoing the sentiments of Jean-Luc Godard, “It’s not important how you look, it’s how you feel.”
It was one of those movie watching experiences that made me appreciate getting transported to a mesmerizing world of nostalgia, reveling in the joy of simpler times, where youth, love, and self-discovery take center stage.
