The Archies, Zoya Akhtar’s 2023 Indian teen musical comedy, has carved its path into the realm of Archie Comics with a unique twist, transporting the familiar characters to the vibrant backdrop of 1960s India. As the credits rolled, my initial impression was mixed, offering glimpses of promise while navigating through an intricate narrative
Screenplay and Tempo:
The Archies, a venture into the reimagined world of Archie Comics, unfolds with a mixed cadence. While the screenplay orchestrates some compelling moments, the tempo encounters occasional stumbles. The film’s ambitious setting in the 1960s adds complexity but at times feels disconnected, leaving viewers unable to relate or even feel empathy.
Editing & Directorial Choices:
The editing attempts to guide the narrative rhythm. However, there are instances where the pacing falters, leaving transitions less than harmonious. The temporal shifts within the storyline, though ambitious, occasionally contribute to a fragmented viewing experience, creating disharmony in the film’s flow.
Zoya Akhtar’s direction echoes a medley of vibrant visuals and coherent storytelling. While she adeptly captures the ’60s era, the decision to transplant the Archie Comics universe to an Indian context may strike a chord with some and create dissonance with others. Akhtar’s bold choices exhibit a creative vision that might resonate diversely among audiences.
Musical Tunes:
The film’s musical numbers play a crucial role, acting as both a high and a low note in its narrative journey. Each song, like a musical note, attempts to add depth to the storytelling. While the soundtrack may not universally resonate, it functions as a character, enhancing the emotional beats within the storyline.
Visual Chronicles:
The visual aesthetics of The Archies paint a picture of the ’60s with a nostalgic brush. Costume design, set production, and cinematography collectively contribute to the film’s immersive experience. The chosen color palette evokes nostalgia effectively, transporting audiences to a bygone era, yet not everyone may find this visual composition harmonious.
The Experimental Score:
The film’s unique identity as a musical comedy brings an experimental note to its cinematic repertoire. While not every tune strikes a chord universally, the film successfully creates an environment where music becomes a narrative tool. It endeavors to express the characters’ emotions, yet the overall composition may not resonate uniformly.
World-Building Marvel:
The film embarked on a commendable journey in crafting a vivid world, seamlessly weaving the essence of the ’60s into the narrative fabric. The attention to detail in recreating the era’s vibe and aesthetics is noteworthy, providing a delightful backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Bland Midway Moments:
Yet, as the narrative progressed, a sense of monotony set in, and the writing lost some of its initial vigor. The stakes, pivotal in engaging the audience, failed to escalate to the desired heights. However, it was at this juncture that a realization struck—perhaps, I wasn’t the film’s primary audience.
Decoding the Target Demographic:
The Archies seemed to have a specific target audience firmly in its sights—the 14 to 20-year-olds from South Delhi and South Bombay. The film, catering to the teenage demographic, explored themes and nuances that resonated more profoundly with this specific age group.
Turning Point Through Music:
The turning point arrived unexpectedly, marked by a song within the class, fervently highlighting the importance of politics. This moment, coupled with an introspective pause, led to the realization that my subjective viewing experience might not align with the film’s intended impact.
Performances in the Spotlight:
Agastya Nanda, portraying Archibald “Archie” Andrews, delivered a performance that felt authentic to the character’s persona. Khushi Kapoor, embodying Betty Cooper, offered a surprising turn, and Suhana Khan’s portrayal of Veronica Lodge emerged as the film’s standout performance.
The Oomph of Suhana Khan:
Suhana Khan’s depiction of the oblivious rich daughter added much-needed charisma, showcasing her prowess as a performer. While other cast members delivered acceptable performances, the ensemble, as a whole, struggled to infuse the film with the vibrancy it required.
Final Verdict: 6.5/10
In retrospect, The Archies presents itself as a film tailor-made for its specific audience—a niche demographic hungry for a cinematic exploration of teenage dreams against the backdrop of a bygone era. As a one-time watch for its intended audience, the film finds its rhythm, but for a broader audience, the narrative might seem too uninteresting or flat-out boring.
Zoya Akhtar’s directorial venture into the Archie Comics universe brings forth a musical journey that, while not universally appealing, manages to strike a chord within the specified age bracket. The film, while not a blockbuster, unfolds as a unique chapter in the annals of Indian cinema, providing an alternative perspective on the legendary comic characters we’ve come to love.
