Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, along with co-writer Reema Kagti, embarked on a creative journey to bring the iconic American comics, “The Archies,” to life. The upcoming film, set to release on Netflix, aims to encapsulate the idealism and rebellious spirit of the 1960s era, where the narrative unfolds.
“The Archies” follows the lives of beloved fictional teenagers—Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Reggie Mantle—navigating romance and friendship in the 1960s. The storyline revolves around their collective efforts to secure the future of their town, Riverdale, threatened by developers eyeing a cherished park.
The chosen era, synonymous with anti-war protests, the civil rights movement, hippie culture, and the music of The Beatles and Bob Dylan, provides a backdrop that Akhtar and Kagti sought to capture. According to Akhtar, “The ’60s were the time when there was a peace movement, a revolution that happened, and all the Bob Dylan… There was an idealism that we will make the world a better place.”
In an interview with PTI, Akhtar expressed the challenge of merging the innocence and simplicity of the ’60s with a contemporary narrative. The goal was to resonate with the Archie generation while making the film appealing to those unfamiliar with the comics. Kagti emphasized the need to create a story that remains relevant to everyone, including those who haven’t read the original comics.
“The Archies” features a cast of newcomers, marking the acting debut of notable names like Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda. The film is produced by Akhtar and Kagti under their production house Tiger Baby, Graphic India, and Archie Comics.
Scheduled for release on December 7 on Netflix, “The Archies” promises to be a nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved comic series, blending the charm of the original stories with a contemporary twist. Akhtar expressed her excitement about collaborating with the young cast, citing their enthusiasm and wide-eyed approach as refreshing and contagious.
