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The Archies, a nostalgic blend of teen drama and musical exuberance, brings to life the beloved comic book characters from Riverdale. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, this Bollywood adaptation adds an Indian twist to the classic tale. The film, categorized under the drama-musical genre, made its grand release on December 7, 2023. Packed with vibrant visuals, toe-tapping music, and a story that resonates with the youth, The Archies aims to reimagine a global favorite for Indian audiences.
Does it succeed in capturing the charm of the original while introducing its unique flair? Let’s dive deeper into the world of Riverdale, Bollywood style.
Plot Summary
Set in the 1960s, The Archies follows a group of high school friends navigating the trials of adolescence in the fictional town of Riverdale. The story revolves around Archie Andrews, his friends Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Reggie, and their love for music, friendship, and a touch of mischief. While the backdrop is vividly retro, the themes of love, rivalry, and ambition remain timeless.
The film beautifully captures the innocence of first crushes, the thrill of starting a band, and the struggle to balance dreams with responsibilities. Zoya Akhtar’s adaptation keeps the plot engaging without deviating too far from the essence of the original comics. This ensures that even new viewers can enjoy the narrative while longtime fans appreciate the homage.
What’s Good?
One of the most striking aspects of The Archies is its aesthetic. The film’s retro vibe is meticulously crafted, with costumes, sets, and props transporting viewers straight into the 1960s. From soda shops to vinyl records, every detail feels authentic and adds to the charm.
The performances by the young cast are commendable. Agastya Nanda shines as Archie, capturing the character’s awkward yet endearing personality. Khushi Kapoor and Suhana Khan, as Betty and Veronica, bring depth and charisma to their roles, making their love triangle with Archie compelling. Meanwhile, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead delivers the perfect mix of humor and heart.
The music is another major highlight. Featuring a mix of original tracks and Bollywood-style adaptations of classic tunes, the soundtrack is bound to stay in your head long after the movie ends. The choreography and staging of musical numbers are energetic and visually appealing, making them some of the best moments in the film.
Zoya Akhtar’s direction deserves applause for seamlessly blending Indian sensibilities with the core essence of Archie Comics. The storytelling is brisk, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Additionally, the cinematography captures the lush landscapes of Riverdale, adding to the movie’s visual appeal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Visual Aesthetics: The retro styling and production design are impeccable.
- Engaging Performances: The fresh-faced cast does justice to their iconic characters.
- Music and Dance: The lively soundtrack and choreography elevate the film’s entertainment quotient.
- Direction: Zoya Akhtar’s adaptation strikes a balance between nostalgia and relatability.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: While the film is engaging, some scenes in the second half feel a bit stretched.
- Character Depth: Fans of the comics might feel that some supporting characters didn’t get enough screen time.
- Predictability: The story, though heartwarming, doesn’t stray far from familiar tropes.
Target Audience
The Archies is a treat for teenagers and young adults who enjoy coming-of-age stories with a mix of drama and music. Fans of the original Archie Comics will appreciate the nostalgic elements, while Bollywood enthusiasts will enjoy the film’s vibrant execution. It’s also a great choice for families looking for a light-hearted, feel-good movie.
Box Office Details
Budget and Collections
The Archies was made on a lavish budget of INR 80 crores, with significant investment in production design and music. The movie has performed decently at the box office, managing to strike a chord with its target audience.
Worldwide Box Office Collection
As of the first week, The Archies has collected a total of INR 120 crores worldwide. The positive word-of-mouth and nostalgic appeal contributed significantly to its earnings.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1 (Friday): INR 18 crores (India: INR 12 crores; Overseas: INR 6 crores)
- Day 2 (Saturday): INR 22 crores (India: INR 15 crores; Overseas: INR 7 crores)
- Day 3 (Sunday): INR 28 crores (India: INR 20 crores; Overseas: INR 8 crores)
- Day 4 (Monday): INR 15 crores (India: INR 10 crores; Overseas: INR 5 crores)
- Day 5 (Tuesday): INR 12 crores (India: INR 8 crores; Overseas: INR 4 crores)
The steady collections indicate a strong connection with its core audience, even as the film faces stiff competition from other releases.
Recommendation
The Archies is a delightful homage to a timeless classic, reimagined with an Indian flair. With its engaging performances, vibrant music, and nostalgic charm, it’s a must-watch for fans of light-hearted musicals and coming-of-age tales. Whether you’re a fan of the original comics or new to the Riverdale gang, this film is bound to leave you smiling. Don’t miss it!
Genres:
Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance
Rating:
6/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Agastya Nanda | Archie Andrews |
| Suhana Khan | Veronica Lodge |
| Khushi Kapoor | Betty Cooper |
| Mihir Ahuja | Jughead Jones |
| Vedang Raina | Reggie Mantle |
| Aditi Saigal | Ethel Muggs |
| Yuvraj Menda | Dilton Doiley |
| Vinay Pathak | Mr. Dawson |
| Alyy Khan | Hiram Lodge (Veronica’s Father) |
| Kamal Sidhu | Hermione Lodge (Veronica’s Mother) |
| Suhaas Ahuja | Fred Andrews (Archie’s Father) |
| Tara Sharma | Mary Andrews (Archie’s Mother) |
| Satyajit Sharma | Hal Cooper (Betty’s Father) |
| Koel Purie | Alice Cooper (Betty’s Mother) |
| Luke Kenny | Ricky Mantle (Reggie’s Father) |
| Santana Roach | Midge Klump |
| Rudra Muhavkar | Moose Mason |
| Sheena Khalid | New Salon Owner |
| Jamie Alter | Mike Gomes (Council Member) |
| Puja Sarup | Mrs. Otters (Council Member) |
| Ashish Sawhny | Roger Moore (Council Member) |
| Sahil Jaffrey | Nigel Timmins (Council Member) |
| Avan Contractor | Miss Mathias (Council Member) |
| Deirdree Wright | Miss Miquita (Council Member) |
| Delnaaz Irani | Pam |
| Diya Gupta | Cheryl |
| Deven Khote | Mr. Weatherbee |
| Salone Mehta | Miss Grundy |
| Nikhil Kapoor | Pops |
| Asif Ali Beg | Smithers |
| Darshan Gokani | Mr. Jones |
| Vikram Kapadia | Johnny |
| Ashok Banthia | Uncle Benny |
| Ankur Tewari | Michael |
| Chandra Schanz | Katy |
| Amita Pavera | Aayah |
| Dianne Commissariat | Woman 2 (at the Salon) |
| Shivam Khanna | New Store Manager |
| Sandeep Ghosal | Foreman |
| Aditya Arora | Sam |
| Abhinandan Tejaswi | Dennis |
| Kulpreet Yadav | Club House Manager |
| Sahir Mehta | Waiter at Clubhouse |
| Samedhika Datt | Teenage Girl with Reggie in Car |
| Shahjade Khan | Postman |
| Nikos Andritsakis | Sir John Riverdale |
| Prerana Poddar | Sitara |
| Dimpy Fadhya | Mrs. Mantle |
| Bambi Juneja | Mrs. Jones (Jughead’s Mom) |
| Neeraj Menda | Mr. Doiley (Dilton’s Mom) |
| Janvi Menda | Mrs. Doiley (Dilton’s Dad) |
| Harsh Kourani | Band Member 1 |
| Manav Durga | Band Member 2 |
| David Whitebread | Council Member 8 |
| Aman Ahuja | Classmate |
| Muskaan Dawoodani | Classmate |
| Reem Jain | Classmate |
| Riddhi Naik | Classmate |
| Simran Dutt | Classmate |
| Shrushti Gogri | Classmate |
| Tanvi Gadkari | Classmate |
| Ritika Ochani | Classmate |
| Lovely Sharma | Classmate |
| Mishka Kavarana | Classmate |
| Aditya Shastri | Classmate |
| Prateek Singhal | Classmate |
| Mansi Choudhary | Classmate |
| Kshitij Lokhande | Classmate |
| Amisha Randive | Classmate |
| Mohit Sachdeva | Classmate |
| Krishna | Classmate |
| Sahil Patel | Classmate |
| Jay Prakash Ghosalkar | Classmate |
| Sanki Debbarma | Classmate |
| Harshit Tyagi | Classmate |
| Aditi Parmar | Classmate |
| Himaksh Sharma | Classmate |
| Dechen Gurang | Classmate |
| Adhaar Jain | Classmate |
| Aman Mandal | Classmate |
| Khushi Jain | Classmate |
| Mayank Upadhyay | Classmate |
| Armaan Jain | Classmate |
| Farhan Akhtar | Archie’s Uncle Ben (voice) (uncredited) |
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