“The Archies,” featuring Bollywood star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor in lead roles, is directed by Zoya Akhtar, renowned for her work in the superhit “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.” This musical film transports us to an Anglo-Indian town, unraveling the tale of friends who unite to protect their beloved Green Park from impending development. Let’s explore the film and see how it unfolds.
Plot Overview:
Set in an Anglo-Indian town, “The Archies” follows the story of friends, including Veronica Ronnie Lodge (Suhana Khan), Archibald Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), and Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor). Green Park, the heart of their town, faces the threat of a hotel construction, leading the kids to rally together to save their cherished space.
Positives:
“The Archies” being a musical film places a significant emphasis on its songs, and it does not disappoint. The film boasts a beautifully composed and presented album, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. The stunning visuals and well-crafted production design, along with the unique choice of setting, contribute to the film’s appeal.
Debut performances by star kids Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, and Khushi Kapoor are commendable, with Agastya Nanda making a particularly strong impression. Despite limited screen time, Vedang Raina leaves a solid impact, and the supporting cast delivers fine performances.
Negatives:
The film’s central theme of environmental conservation in the second hour feels overused and lacks a fresh perspective. The predictability of the narrative becomes evident, and the emotional aspect could have been explored more deeply. The ending, while ordinary and clichéd, falls short of the expectations set by musical films.
The Archies tends to lose its edge over time, with some scenes feeling bland. Editing proves to be a weakness, as certain portions could have been trimmed to enhance the pacing.
Technical Aspects:
The music direction by Shankar-Eshaan-Loy, Ankur Tewari, The Islanders, Aditi Saigal, and Jim Satya successfully captures retro vibes. Nikos Andritsakis’ cinematography skillfully captures aesthetic locales, and the production values are impressive. However, editing remains a drawback, and Zoya Akhtar’s magic, though present in some scenes, is not consistently maintained throughout.
Verdict:
In conclusion, “The Archies” offers a passable musical experience, showcasing commendable performances by the star kids. The film’s strengths lie in its superb songs and captivating visuals, while its narrative and execution could have been more refined. Despite some good moments, it falls slightly short of expectations, making it an okay watch for fans of Zoya Akhtar’s previous works.