MapsofIndia.com/MyIndia.in Rating: 2.5/5
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Plot
In the fictional city of Riverdale in Northern India, circa 1964, a vibrant community of Anglo-Indians, blending British and Indian heritage, flourishes. At the heart of the narrative are seven 17-year-olds, portrayed by a talented ensemble: Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Jughead Jones (Mihir Ahuja), Ethel Muggs (Aditi Saigal), and Dilton Dailey (Yuvraj Menda). Veronica’s affluent father, Hiram Lodge, emerges as a central figure, driven by grand ambitions to establish a shopping center in the primary market by acquiring all existing shops. His vision extends to constructing a hotel at the heart of Green Park, a revered locale in Riverdale where each citizen has planted a symbolic tree. Fueled by determination, Hiram strikes a deal with H. Dawson (Vinay Pathak), a government official, promising him significant donations. In his pursuit of personal gain, Dawson resorts to corrupt methods to secure government approval for Hiram’s acquisition of Green Park.
Meanwhile, the unsuspecting protagonists grapple with personal challenges. Archie navigates a tumultuous love triangle involving Betty and Veronica, with Jughead as a voice of caution about the impending heartbreak. Dilton, the group’s genius, harbors undisclosed secrets, while Ethel, known as Dots, embarks on a journey to realize her full potential. Reggie, aspiring to be a comedian, faces the conflicting expectations of his journalist father, who advocates for a more conventional career. The revelation of Hiram Lodge’s plans is a seismic shock, propelling the group into a vortex of dilemmas. Now confronted not only by their internal struggles but also by the imminent threat to Green Park, the protagonists must reconcile their journeys with the shared mission to preserve the sanctity of a place that holds profound significance in their intertwined lives.
Performances
While marking the launch of seven new faces into Bollywood, Zoya Akhtar’s film could offer a better platform to assess their acting prowess fully. The characters, typical teenagers grappling with everyday issues and a rebellion against authority, come across as essential. Despite this, all seven actors deliver decent performances within the limitations of their roles.
However, Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina steal the show, their characters benefitting from more developed arcs and allowing them to showcase greater depth and range. Suhana Khan and Agastya Nanda also have their moments of brilliance, adding further sparkle to the ensemble cast.
Analysis
Archie offers a light-hearted musical escape, perfect for a casual family movie night. While it may not boast the complex narratives or character arcs of other Zoya Akhtar films, its charming innocence and vibrant energy make it an enjoyable experience. However, viewers seeking a profound cinematic journey might find themselves underwhelmed by the film’s predictable plot and somewhat stereotypical characters. Approaching it with moderate expectations will allow you to appreciate its simple pleasures.
The cinematography beautifully showcases the fictional town of Riverdale, immersing viewers in its charm. With catchy tunes like “Va Va Voom” and “Sunoh,” the film lives up to its musical billing, keeping the energy high and the audience entertained. While some may find the pacing slow, the overall experience is pleasant and nostalgic.
Verdict
“Archie” offers a light and enjoyable movie experience for families with children. Fans of the original comics will appreciate the faithful adaptation, with characters faithfully recreated and brought to life by new actors. The light-hearted tone keeps things breezy but may leave some viewers wishing for more depth, similar to acclaimed coming-of-age films like “Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.” The cinema may not be entirely satisfying for those seeking a deeper or more emotionally engaging story.
