Step back to 1964 with ‘The Archies,’ where a group of teens faces the challenges of growing up, all against the backdrop of Hiram Lodge’s (Alyy Khan) plan to build in Green Park. As the town rallies to save its beloved spot, the movie unfolds with obstacles, music, subplots, and a runtime of just over two hours.
High Hopes and Letdowns
You’d expect ‘The Archies’ to be a Bollywood delight with Zoya Akhtar directing and star kids from famous families. However, reality leaves you scratching your head for nearly two hours, wondering what is even going on.
Cliched Dialogues and Forgettable Songs
The dialogue feels like a mix of cliches and Instagram quotes, and the songs, despite being a Bollywood musical, are easily forgettable and sometimes a bit too much to handle. The cast fits well into their roles, but the movie lacks depth.
Alyy Khan’s Standout Role
In a cast of Indian star kids, Alyy Khan, a Pakistani actor, steals the show as Hiram, the smooth-talking antagonist. Even though he’s the opposite of what the gang stands for, you cheer for him and question your sense of right and wrong.
Behind-the-Scenes Insight
Alyy Khan shared on Nadir Ali’s podcast that Zoya Akhtar, the director and Alyy’s friend, put the whole cast through a year-long workshop before filming. There is no pressure, no cameras, just rehearsals with a choreographer and dialogue coach. Despite this, it seems the star kids might need more training and time to get comfortable with acting.
While ‘The Archies’ might not be the Bollywood hit we hoped for, Alyy Khan’s performance as Hiram adds some depth. The film makes you think about its flaws and appreciate the seasoned actor, leaving you with mixed feelings and thoughts.
