Introducing “The Archies,” a captivating musical film featuring Bollywood star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor in lead roles, directed by the talented Zoya Akhtar, renowned for her work on the superhit film “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.” Let’s delve into the essence of this cinematic creation.
Plot Overview:
Set against the backdrop of an Anglo-Indian town, “The Archies” revolves around a group of friends, including Veronica Ronnie Lodge (Suhana Khan), Archibald Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), Reggie Mantle (Vedang Raina), Dilton Doiley (Yuvraj Menda), Jughead Jones (Mihir Ahuja), and Ethel Muggs (Aditi Saigal). Their cherished Green Park, considered the heart of the town, faces a threat when Ronnie Lodge’s father plans to build a hotel by clearing the trees. The film unfolds as the kids unite to preserve the park, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Highlights:
“The Archies” excels as a musical, boasting a captivating soundtrack skillfully composed and impeccably presented on screen. The film benefits from stunning visuals and exceptional production design, creating a delightful cinematic experience. The decision to set the story in an Anglo-Indian town complements the film’s theme, rooted in the world of the fictional American music band Archies.
The performances of star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor in their debut film are commendable, with Agastya Nanda leaving a particularly strong impression despite limited screen time. The supporting cast, including Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda, deliver solid portrayals in their respective roles.
Areas of Improvement:
Despite its musical prowess and visual appeal, “The Archies” falls short in the second hour by dealing with a well-worn concept. The narrative could have been more engaging, considering the familiarity of the theme of nature preservation in countless other films. Some scenes lack vibrancy, relying on the enchanting songs and visuals to elevate the viewing experience. As the plot unfolds, predictability sets in, diminishing the film’s impact.
The emotional depth of the film could have been better explored, and the ending, while ordinary and clichéd, leaves room for improvement. Given the genre’s preference for succinct storytelling, the film’s pacing suffers due to a lackluster editing effort that could have trimmed 10-15 minutes.
Technical Aspects:
The musical brilliance of Shankar-Eshaan-Loy, Ankur Tewari, The Islanders, Aditi Saigal, and Jim Satya infuses the film with retro vibes. Nikos Andritsakis’ cinematography captures picturesque locales, enhancing the visual appeal. While production values are exceptional, the editing falls short of expectations.
Zoya Akhtar’s directorial magic, evident in some scenes, is somewhat lacking in “The Archies.” The promising premise is marred by plain execution, leaving fans of Akhtar’s previous works slightly underwhelmed.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “The Archies” stands as a passable musical flick featuring commendable performances from star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor. The film’s standout features include its superb musical score and captivating visuals, though the narrative and execution leave room for improvement. While it offers moments of brilliance, the overall experience may be considered just satisfactory. Fans of Zoya Akhtar may find “The Archies” a bit underwhelming compared to her earlier works, expecting a more compelling cinematic journey.