The Archies Review: Zoya Akhtar Crafts A Symphony of Innocence and Goodies

Film: The Archies

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Cast: Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi "Dot" Saigal, Yuvraj Menda

Rating: 3.5/5

There is always a feeling of trepidation when a favourite book or comic is adapted on screen, especially if it's “The Archies”. A beloved and arguably the most popular non-superhero comic book it continues to be drawn amongst fans the world over, 8 decades since its debut in 1941.

Archie, Betty and Veronica were household names not only in the town of “Riverdale” where they lived but in homes across the world. We all found ourselves immersed in Archie’s philandering ways, as his Indian version essayed by Agastya Nanda says “One heart is not big enough to love two girls, the super-rich spoilt brat Veronica Lodge( Suhana Khan) and the amiable Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor).  
 
So when Zoya Akhtar took on the challenging task of adapting “The Archies “ in its first-ever film adaption and that too on Indian Screens, she was clear it had brought out the essence of the original. For those who thought she had set herself up to fail, well those critical glasses away. After all, who doesn’t like the feeling as if the world is capable of bursting into a song any moment, so we get a colourful live adaptation of the book.
 
The swinging 60’s was not only the decade of fun, fashion, and rock 'n' roll but socio-political changes as well. So we are taken back to the year 1964, where nestled amongst the mountains is the quaint town of Riverdale. Founded by a British army officer who had not only fallen in love with India but was smitten by the charms of an Indian lady. Riverdale is now a hamlet which houses around 10,000 members of the Anglo-Indian community. The pride of the town is “Green Park”, a lush park which is not only a spot for community gathering but also is testament to the beginnings of the town and its people.

On the cusp of adulthood, we meet the band of seven friends, all of 17, who lead a happy existence. If not at school, they are either hanging at their favourite haunt Pop Tates, downing milkshakes and cakes, or cycling down the pretty town-side, and breaking out into a song and dance at parties and fairs.
Archie hopes to form his band and move to London for better prospects, Betty is happy helping her father Hal at his bookstore. The flirty Reggie Mantle( Vedang Raina) aspires to be a stand-up comic and wants to write for his father’s Free Press paper. Ethel( Dot) is a whiz at hairdressing, and Jughead( Mihir Ahuja) if not chomping on burgers, is the voice of reason. We have the whiz Dilton( Yuvraj Menda) as well as the bumbling Moose.
The arrival of Veronica Lodge and her father Hiram Lodge( Alyy Khan) brings in the winds of change.

Betty and Veronica who believe in” jo mera woh tera” realize this does not apply to love. On the other hand, caught between ambition and aspiration, this was also the decade when the youth thought they could change the world. As a  farewell is planned for Archie’s move to London, the seven realise the future of their town and their own identity is in jeopardy. As the coming of the big businesses wants to wipe out the small and commercialize the town. It is time for the teens to get their hands dirty.

Yes, everyone is curious to know how the seven debutants performed, especially the three-star kids, Agastya, Suhana and Khushi. They are raw, yes, but put their best foot forward, getting into their roles with a charming ease. Amongst the rest, Vedang Raina as the cocky Reggie is quite the scene stealer.
There will be times when you may just recall the comic and the thought bubbles popping in your mind, since the seven actors do  m a neat job in adapting themselves to the time and their characters.

The brilliance of Zoya Akhtar comes to the fore in the details, the mustard yellow and burnt orange colour palette of the show which were hallmark colours of the era are liberally used and teamed with teal blue and pistachio green for a relaxed and earthy feel. With the coppery tone to Archie’s hair, the blue tinge to Veronica’s bangs, Reggie’s greased hair flicks and Betty’s golden-hued tresses, the costumes are on point. She also touches upon several topics from the politics of the time as well as gay love.

The film which is designed as a Broadway musical gets its soul from the compositions of Shankar Ehsaan and Loy which are rhythmic and melodious, getting the vibe of the 60’s,  a time when Elvis Presley, The Beatles and  Cliff Richards had us dancing to their tunes.

The Archies is a warm and simple goody bag to be savoured this festive season. It wins over with its innocence and simple joys that we may all have forgotten.