The vibrant hues of 1964 India come to life in “The Archies,” a Bollywood-borne Netflix version directed and produced by the incredibly talented Zoya Akhtar. Bursting with colors reminiscent of a psychedelic dream, this film takes the iconic Archie Comic characters on a joyous journey to a fictional Anglo-Indian hill station named Riverdale.

In this kaleidoscopic tapestry of friendship and freedom, the characters—Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, Ethel, and Dilton—breathe new life into the swinging ’60s. Zoya Akhtar, with her visionary touch, weaves a tale of love and rebellion against the backdrop of a picturesque town perched on the edge of a valley.

As the sun sets over the hills, casting a warm glow on the town, The Archies navigate the complexities of adolescence, delivering a coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Love blooms, friendships are tested, and the rebellious spirit of youth takes center stage in this cinematic celebration of life, love, and everything in between.

The Archies Global Stage Presence

According to our analysis, The Archies has not performed well in terms of views compared to its production cost. Despite costing 45 crores, the movie received only 2.2 million or 22 lakh views. However, it is important to note that Netflix’s worldwide data shows that The Archies received 2.2 million and 5.2 million hours viewed during its opening weekend in India. This indicates that the movie may have found a larger audience on Netflix than on other platforms.

Based on tracking data, The Archies was the third most-watched direct-to-OTT release of the week among Indian users, following Koffee with Karan and Temptation Island. Additionally, our database shows that The Archies ranks 38th in terms of most-watched movies this week, and it is the 10th most-watched movie this year.

If you’re interested, you can check this week’s ratings on OTT to gain a better understanding of the current trends in the industry. Another cause for the underwhelming viewership stat can be explained through the unrealistic expectations owing to the debut of Suhana Khan, the Daughter of SRK who is rocking Bollywood this year with Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki.

A Cast That Needs No Introduction

Archie: Get ready to witness the dazzling debut of Agastya Nanda, the rising star making his Bollywood foray in Netflix’s latest sensation The Archies. Stepping into the iconic shoes of Archibald “Archie” Andrews, Agastya brings a fresh perspective to the beloved character, and he’s not just any newcomer to the scene. Hailing from not one, but two legendary film families, Agastya Nanda carries the weight of cinematic greatness on his shoulders.

Veronica: Step into the glitzy world of Riverdale, where the spoils of the elite are on full display, and Veronica, portrayed by the dazzling Suhana Khan, reigns as the queen of opulence in The Archies. Being the heiress to a Bollywood titan, Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana was already a name that rolled off the tongues of many even before her cinematic debut.

Betty: The silver screen is about to witness the emergence of a new star, and her name is Khushi Kapoor. Born into the illustrious Kapoor lineage, she carries the legacy of Bollywood not just in her genes but also in her on-screen presence. As the daughter of the prolific producer Bonnie Kapoor and the late legendary Sridevi, with close ties to the Kapoor trio—Anil, Sonam, and Arjun—Khushi is set to make her mark in the cinematic realm, following in the footsteps of her star-studded family.

Reggie: Get ready to groove to the beats of the newest sensation both on and off the screen— Vedang Raina, the maestro behind the character of Reginald “Reggie” Mantle in The Archies. While the big screen may be his playground, Vedang has already captured the hearts of the online world with his mesmerizing song covers that resonate far and wide. He was fully aware of his good looks, so he savored them with utmost care and finished everything without leaving a single crumb.

Jughead: Spotting Mihir Ahuja on set is as easy as finding a pizza lover with a hat and arms full of food—because, let’s face it, Jughead Jones and his insatiable appetite are unmistakable. Unlike most of the cast members, Ahuja isn’t a rookie on the screen. With credits like Super 30, Dolly Aur Kitty Ke Chamakte Sitare, and Bard of Blood under his belt, he brings seasoned expertise to The Archies.

Dilton: Introducing the fabulous Indian incarnation of the bespectacled brainiac, Dilton Doiley— enter Yuvraj Menda, a maestro not just in equations but also in dance moves that light up Instagram with a rainbow of fabulousness. Teaming up with popular choreographers, Yuvraj’s dance videos become viral sensations, adding a touch of glitter to the digital dance floor.

Ethel: Meet the enchanting Aditi Saigal, a name that resonates not only in the indie music circuit but also carries the legacy of rock ‘n’ roll royalty. Daughter of the late rockstar Amit Saigal, the founder of India’s first rock magazine, Rock Street Journal, Aditi, known by her musical alter ego “Dot,” is a force to be reckoned with.

Shortcomings And Stumbles

A storm of comparisons has erupted in the glamour-soaked realm of Bollywood, pitting the scions of legendary actors—Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, and Khushi Kapoor—against the illustrious likes of Kareena Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan. The battleground? Their debut performances in the Archies have left audiences divided and critics sharpening their pens.

While the seasoned veterans effortlessly dazzled in their inaugural acts, the new generation seemingly stumbled in the spotlight. Expectations soared as these star kids, equipped with Bollywood’s prestigious legacy, stepped onto the cinematic stage with The Archies. Alas, the applause they envisioned transformed into a chorus of critiques as their performances failed to meet the audience’s lofty expectations.

In a surprising twist, the underdogs of The Archies — those without the silver spoon of stardom — shone brighter. Their uncharted journey into acting, devoid of star-studded guidance, proved to be a revelation, outshining the offspring of Bollywood’s elite. Even the whispers of Suhana Khan honing her craft in a prestigious UK acting school couldn’t salvage the impact her performance lacked. It seems the golden ticket of privileged education failed to translate into a spellbinding act on the big screen.

The controversy deepens with the pre-release hype, as whispers circulate about inflated ratings and accusations that affluence might have played a role in the premature adulation. Skeptics argue that the film’s affluent backdrop paved the way for an overrated reception, casting a shadow over the genuine quality of the cinematic offering.

In the cacophony of opinions, the resounding sentiment is that Joya Akhter, the mastermind behind the cinematic adaptation, may have missed the mark. Critics and audiences alike lament the perceived tarnishing of the beloved comic, sparking a digital battlefield of comments questioning Akhter’s directorial choices and creative prowess.

As The Last Frames Flicker, The Archies Concludes

In the enchanting finale of The Archies, the stars align for a Bollywood rollercoaster that’s as sweet as it is sour. As the credits roll, a bittersweet symphony of legacy, love, and unexpected twists plays, leaving the audience with a concoction of emotions.

In this grand conclusion, Archie and his gang navigate the glitzy maze of fame, friendships tested by the sour notes of scandal, and the complex chords of family ties. The love triangle that once brewed scandals now transforms into a tale of understanding and acceptance—a sweetness born from the sourest of dilemmas.

While the star kids grapple with the heavy expectations that come with their pedigrees, the underdogs emerge as the unsung heroes, sprinkling a touch of sweetness to the bitter complexities of stardom. The Archies, a melting pot of diverse narratives, whispers a reminder that talent is the universal sweetener, dissolving the bitter barriers of privilege.

As the characters take their final bow, a nostalgic sweetness fills the air, tinged with the sour realization of the fleeting nature of celebrity status. The Archies concludes not just as a cinematic spectacle but as a reflection on the ephemeral nature of fame and the enduring sweetness of genuine connections.

In the closing scenes, the comic’s spirit is reborn, a sweet reminder that, in the grand recipe of life, authenticity is the key ingredient. The Archies bid their bittersweet adieu, leaving behind a trail of glitter, controversy, and heartwarming moments—a testament to the ever-evolving, delectable tapestry of Bollywood’s enchanting universe.