"The Archies" - Movie Review and Summary (2023)

Zoya Akhtar's latest venture, "The Archies," attempts to weave a tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery in the glamorous world of the entertainment industry. However, my viewing experience left me yearning for more, as the film struggled to strike the right chords and often fell flat in its execution.

Set in the fictional Northern Indian town of Riverdale, inspired by "hill station" villages like McCluskieganj and Landour, "The Archies" unfolds against the backdrop of post-Independence India. Established by Sir John Riverdale in 1914, this affluent town is inhabited by hormonal Anglo-Indian residents and serves as a symbol of the country's changing landscape.

The film follows the lives of Riverdale's youth, who engage in singing, dancing, and courtship, reminiscent of the innocent charm found in the original "Archie" comics. The central romantic dilemma revolves around Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda) and the choice between the wealthy Veronica (Suhana Khan) and the soulful Betty (Khushi Kapoor). Meanwhile, the community unites to protect Riverdale from encroaching modernization, symbolized by the threat of a new hotel.

As the narrative unfolds, the audience is left wondering about Archie's true affections and whether he will succumb to the allure of London, despite the mild protests of his father, Fred (Suhaas Ahuja). The film promises surprises in its answers to these questions, even if, in the grand scheme, they may seem relatively inconsequential. "The Archies" invites viewers to experience the timeless themes of love, friendship, and community against the unique cultural backdrop of an Indian Riverdale.

Suhana Khan, in her role as one of the lead characters, appears to struggle with bringing depth to her performance. Her portrayal comes across as lackluster and fails to engage the audience. The character she embodies lacks the necessary charisma to make a lasting impact, leaving viewers disconnected from her journey. It's disheartening to witness a talented actress like Khan delivering a performance that feels uninspired.

Similarly, Khushi Kapoor's portrayal comes off as artificial, resembling a plastic doll rather than a character with genuine emotions and experiences. The lack of authenticity in her acting diminishes the audience's ability to empathize with her struggles and aspirations. Kapoor's performance feels like a missed opportunity to showcase her potential in a more compelling light.

On the brighter side, Agastya, played by Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, manages to stand out with his handsome looks and distinctive hairstyle. His on-screen presence is one of the film's saving graces, providing a refreshing element to an otherwise lacklustre ensemble. However, his character alone isn't enough to salvage the overall chemistry of the cast.

One of the major disappointments lies in the absence of chemistry between the characters. The relationships and connections, which are pivotal in a film of this genre, feel forced and lack the authenticity that could have made the audience emotionally invest in the narrative. The camaraderie and bonds between the characters fail to evoke genuine emotions, leaving the viewer with a sense of detachment.

The pacing of the movie also contributes to its downfall. At times, the narrative drags on, making it challenging to maintain interest. The screenplay could have benefited from tighter editing and a more focused approach to keep the audience engaged throughout the runtime.

While the film attempts to explore the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, it falls short in providing a nuanced and insightful portrayal. The behind-the-scenes look into the lives of aspiring artists lacks depth and fails to offer a fresh perspective on the challenges they face. The film ends up being more of a superficial gloss rather than a genuine exploration of the complexities within the industry.

In terms of technical aspects, the cinematography and music add a touch of flair to the production. The visuals capture the opulence of the film industry, and the soundtrack complements the narrative well. However, these elements alone cannot compensate for the film's shortcomings in character development and storytelling.

Turning our attention to the performances, it's evident that the ensemble cast struggles to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. The lack of chemistry and the uneven performances hinder the film from reaching its full potential. Zoya Akhtar, known for her directorial prowess in films like "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" and "Gully Boy," falls short of delivering a memorable cinematic experience with "The Archies."

In conclusion, "The Archies" falls flat in living up to the expectations set by Zoya Akhtar's previous works. Based on the overall, I would rate "The Archies" movie 2 out of 5 stars. The film's lacklustre performances, weak script, and failure to establish genuine connections between characters contribute to a viewing experience that falls below the expectations typically associated with Zoya Akhtar's directorial ventures. While certain elements like cinematography and music add a touch of flair, they are not sufficient to elevate the overall quality of the film.