The Archies (2023)

The new faces of Bollywood in The Archies, Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor, who have delivered brilliant performances in the lead roles, have uniquely shaped the direction of the film.

Zoya Akhtar, who has previously directed a superhit film like ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,’ is now aiming to surprise the audience with a unique musical film.

Release date7 December 2023
StarcastSuhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Saigal, Yuvraj Menda
DirectionZoya akhtar
ProducersZoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Sharad Devarajan, John Goldwater
Song DirectionShankar – Ehsaan – Loy, Ankur Tiwari, The Islanders, Aditi Sehgal, Jim Satya
CinematographerNikos Andritsakis
EditorNitin Baid
Series TrailerWatch Now

The Archies (2023) Storyline

The story of the film revolves around a young literary man named Aditya, who is determined to pursue his dreams. In this musical universe, he embarks on a journey filled with love, struggle, and sensitivity to achieve his goals.

The unique tale of The Archies unfolds in the Anglo-Indian town of Green Park. Here, a group of friends including Veronica Ronnie Lodge (Suhana Khan), Archibald Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Dilton Dooley (Yuvraj Menda), Jughead Jones (Mihir Ahuja), and Ethel Muggs (Aditi Sehgal) share a soulful bond that sets their relationships apart.

When Ronnie Lodge’s father decides to convert Green Park into a hotel, it sparks a conflict as it involves cutting down trees, leading to environmental concerns. The children unite to fight against this decision, aiming to preserve their beloved park.

The film takes the audience on a journey of friendship and resilience, as these nine friends support each other through thick and thin. Together, they advocate for their city, advocating for green spaces and environmental protection with a newfound urgency. Through this journey, they not only contribute to the betterment of their city but also undergo personal growth.

Through the unique friendship and journey depicted in The Archies, the film also highlights the spirit of community within the city. The nine friends stand united not only for each other but also for the preservation of their beloved green park, emphasizing the importance of unity in protecting the environment.

Plus points

The Archies is a musical film where music plays a pivotal role, and the songs not only carry profound meanings but also elevate sonic worship to a new and sublime level.

The film’s beautiful soundtrack album creates distinct worlds with each song, taking the audience on a captivating musical journey. The proficiency of all the music directors in this artistry enhances the soulful essence of the film.

The visual development and production design of the film contribute to its unique experience. The lush green environment, particularly the play of shadows and vibrant colors in the Green Park setting, further enhances the film’s allure.

The production design transports the audience to a different world, where sound and visuals seamlessly blend to create an immersive experience.

The film’s music, inspired by the fictional American music band The Archies, offers a fresh and romantic perspective. This unique imagination adds a new and compelling dimension to the portrayal of the Anglo-Indian city.

Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor captivate audiences with their outstanding performances. Agastya Nanda’s impressive portrayal elevates him to stardom, while Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor mesmerize with their debut performances.

Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Sehgal, and Yuvraj Menda also deliver their roles with uniqueness, adding depth to the film’s acting and intimacy.

In summary, The Archies lays the groundwork for a new musical literary experience, blending music, stunning visuals, and stellar acting seamlessly.

Minus points

The second premise of the film offers a unique and thought-provoking central focus, delving into the complexities of life and issues of social liberation. The story attempts to provide a fresh perspective on these themes, aiming to unite collective efforts towards problem-solving and environmental protection.

The second hour of the film is marked by grand and picturesque scenes, evoking a sense of self-reliance and prosperity among the audience. The meticulous planning and technical execution of melodious songs and visuals give the film a distinct identity, setting it apart from others.

The film beautifully portrays the imaginative story of the American music band The Archies, taking the audience on a romantic and imaginative journey through music and design. This new dimension evokes a sense of excitement, not only through words but also through glimpses of music.

While the film presents the story from a fresh perspective, it could have delved deeper into the emotional aspect. This would have provided the audience with a better opportunity to connect with the characters and understand their inner feelings.

Additionally, more attention could have been given to enhancing the film’s editing capabilities. Some scenes could have been condensed to add depth and visual impact, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

In conclusion, “The Archies” brings together a new narrative infused with romance and music, exploring collective problem-solving and the pursuit of prosperity in a refreshing and engaging manner.Importance of literary acting

Suhana, Agastya, and Khushi have succeeded in immersing the audience with their acting skills. Their nuanced performances not only enrich the story but also provide the audience with a fresh perspective to connect with their characters.

Direction, Production & Music

A unique aspect of this film is its musical sequences. Zoya Akhtar has once again demonstrated her boldness by attempting to unite the audience through music, connecting every episode of the film.

This new film from The Archies offers audiences a fresh literary experience, blending literary expertise, unique acting, and music. It’s a captivating journey that immerses the audience in dreams and imagination, offering a new perspective along the way.

Technical aspects

Music directors Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Ankur Tiwari, The Islanders, Aditi Sehgal, and Jim Satya have collaborated to elevate retro vibes to new heights. Their work successfully imbues the film with not only its musical essence but also its emotional core, resonating deeply with the audience. Nikos Andritsakis’ cinematography elevates the film’s visual aesthetics to new dimensions, captivating viewers with stunning visuals. The film’s production values are also top-notch, contributing to its high-quality production.

Zoya Akhtar’s directorial touch adds a special flair to the film, infusing certain scenes with an extra layer of intrigue and interest. While she impresses in select moments, her execution falls somewhat short in others, leaving room for improvement.

The film’s narrative delves into social issues and navigates them towards a unique path to prosperity. While the premise holds promise, more careful editing and execution could have enhanced its impact further.

Overall, “The Archies” not only aims to push boundaries in the realm of music but also introduces new dimensions in storytelling, cinematography, and production, marking a notable endeavor in cinematic innovation.

Yomovies Conclusion

Overall, The Archies delivers a musical experience highlighted by strong performances from star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor. The film’s standout feature lies in the children’s rendition of brilliant songs and scenes, which transport the audience on a vibrant literary journey.

The film’s music and storytelling propel the audience into a unique musical odyssey. The impressive songs and visuals serve as the film’s major strengths, making it a worthwhile watch.

While there are several commendable moments, the film could have benefited from more innovation in its narrative and storytelling. There was potential for further exploration of Zoya Akhtar’s artistic vision, which could have added more depth to the film.

The movie boasts several epic moments that keep viewers entertained and engaged with relevant issues. However, there remains room for improvement towards achieving excellence, which would have heightened the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, The Archies stands as a captivating musical film that embarks the audience on a literary voyage through the enchanting performances of its young stars. While it delivers a delightful experience, there is potential for even greater achievements in the future.