Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for Zoya Akhtar’s movie “The Archies” which releases on 7th December. Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor and Suhana Khan play the lead trio Archie, Betty and Veronica from the popular teen comics and the story is also set in a small town called Riverdale, but in India.
Zoya’s Riverdale exudes charm and carves its own niche, retaining many of the original comics’ themes and motifs, including the iconic ‘Pop Tate’s’ soda shop, where Jughead (Mihir Ahuja) works part-time and where all of Archie’s friends frequently gather. The cast is rounded out by Vedang Raina, Dot, and Yuvraj Menda as Reggie, Ethel, and the nerdy Dilton. Much like the comic books, the film centers on the love triangle involving Archie, Betty, and Veronica, with added drama on the side as the teens protest Mr. Lodge’s plan to replace their beloved park and hangouts with a large plaza.
While the cinematography is bubbly and brings out some 70s nostalgia, all the young actors lack a certain spunk, which holds back the trailer from being exciting. Suhana Khan’s portrayal of the wealthy and vivacious Veronica Lodge seems to border on being sweeter, resembling Betty more, and it feels like Khushi Kapoor might have been a better fit for Veronica. However, with a trailer that is only 3 minutes long, those intrigued by this Desi version of the Archies will have to wait for the film to see how the young cast fares in playing iconic comic-book characters that have entertained generations of young readers.
Watch the trailer for “The Archies” by Zoya Akhtar below.
