The Archies: (2023) Suhana Khan,Agastya Nanda Watch Free
The Archies: A Bollywood Teen Musical Takes Riverdale to India
The Archies, the 2023 Bollywood musical film, Cast: Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan has taken the world by storm! This vibrant adaptation of the iconic American comic book series reimagines Riverdale’s beloved characters in a pulsating 1960s India, serving up a delightful cocktail of music, romance, and nostalgia.
The Archies – A Fresh Take on Familiar Faces
The film introduces us to Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), a charming teenager with a mop of red hair and a passion for music. He leads the titular band, The Archies, alongside his best friends – the vivacious Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan) and the sweet Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor). The love triangle that has captivated readers for decades takes on a new dimension in this Indian setting, with each character infused with a unique Bollywood flair.
A Melodious Journey Through Time
The music in The Archies is a true celebration of the 60s era. From peppy rock anthems like “Khilte Hain Hum” to soulful ballads like “Bekaraan,” the soundtrack perfectly captures the youthful energy and romanticism of the time. The film’s original compositions, penned by the talented duo of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, are sure to get your feet tapping and leave you humming long after the credits roll.
Beyond the Tunes: A Story of Friendship and Community
The Archies is more than just a musical extravaganza. It’s a heartwarming story about the power of friendship, love, and community. The film tackles themes of social responsibility and environmental protection, as Riverdale faces the threat of losing its beloved Pop Tate’s diner to a greedy developer. The Archies, along with their friends and neighbors, band together to fight for their town’s heritage, showcasing the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
A Stellar Cast and Crew
The Archies boasts a talented cast of young actors who bring their characters to life with infectious energy and charm. Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, and Khushi Kapoor make their acting debut in the film, delivering performances that are both endearing and nuanced. The supporting cast, featuring veterans like Dot Saigal and Mihir Ahuja, adds depth and humor to the narrative.
Director Zoya Akhtar, known for her critically acclaimed films like Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy infuses The Archies with her signature blend of humor, heart, and cinematic style. The film’s vibrant visuals, reminiscent of classic Bollywood musicals, transport you to a bygone era with a modern twist.
A Global Phenomenon
The Archies has become a global phenomenon, transcending cultural barriers and resonating with audiences worldwide. The film’s release on Netflix in December 2023 has garnered critical acclaim and praise from viewers for its catchy music, charming story, and heartfelt performances. It has sparked conversations about diversity in representation and the enduring power of classic stories to be retold in new and exciting ways.
Why You Should Watch The Archies
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Archie comics, a Bollywood enthusiast, or simply looking for a feel-good movie experience, The Archies has something for everyone. It’s a delightful blend of music, romance, and nostalgia that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. So, grab your popcorn, crank up the volume, and get ready to be transported to the world of The Archies – a world where dreams take flight, friendships shine, and music fills the air!
One of Netflix’s most highly anticipated Original films turned out to be one of its most underwhelming. Much of the hype leading up to the release of The Archies had to do with its cast of newcomers, some from prominent Bollywood families. None of them are at fault for the film’s problems, which are rather due to uncharacteristic missteps by the film’s writer-director, Zoya Akhtar.
Based on the Archie comic books, the movie takes place in 1964 in the fictional Anglo-Indian hill town of Riverdale, India. The story is centered around the town’s teenagers, including Archie (Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson), his neighbor Betty (Khushi Kapoor, Sridevi’s daughter), her best friend Veronica (Suhana Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter), and their pals Reggie (Vedang Raina), Jughead (Mihir Ahuja), Ethel (Aditi Saigal, aka “Dot”), and Dilton (Yuvraj Menda).
There are various romantic entanglements and crushes within the group, the most chaotic of which is Archie’s fondness for both Betty and Veronica. Those complications get pushed aside when Veronica’s wealthy father Hal (Satyajit Sharma) pressures the town council to let him build a hotel in the middle of Green Park: a place important to Riverdale’s young people. Archie and their friends get a quick education in political organizing and band together to save the park.
When the story focuses on the teens, it’s pretty entertaining, if mostly surface-level. Mihir Ahuja as Jughead is the only one with prior acting experience, and his performance is the most assured. The rest of the young actors show promise, particularly Suhana Khan’s dancing and Khushi Kapoor’s attentiveness toward her fellow performers during scenes.
Things slow down when the adults get involved, sapping the dynamism of the film. The teens are absent from a lot of these scenes, shining a spotlight on their expository nature. Was there no better way to convey information than via grownups sitting around talking?
The slow periods stand out because The Archies is structured more like musical theater than a typical “Bollywood” movie. Many of the songs flow out of conversations and have lyrics that are literal rather than metaphorical. You can sense how scenes would physically transition from one to another were this to be turned into a stage musical. Even in this movie version, the scenes with adults talking need to feel just long enough to allow for a set change to happen in the background, and no longer.
Considering that The Archies is a musical, it’s unfortunate that its songs are so forgettable. “Sunoh” and “Va Va Voom” — the two tunes Netflix used in their promotions for the film — are the best of the lot. Instead of using an upbeat number during a rally for the park, Akhtar uses the ballad “Yeh Saari Aawazein.” Betty periodically sings some of her diary entries, but the performance style is too contemporary and feels out of place.
The disappointing quality of the songs is countered by novel, entertaining choreography. Something is going on in every corner of the screen in the tune “Everything Is Politics.” “Dhishoom Dhishoom” is danced entirely on roller skates. On top of that, the film’s styling and costuming are top-notch.
Good elements like choreography and costume design can’t counterbalance the film’s structural issues and overall underwhelming vibe, unfortunately. Akhtar’s vision for The Archies is interesting, but the execution isn’t up to her usual high standards.
Official trailer
