“The Archies” is a fresh breeze to the world of violent action Bollywood movies. It features a star-studded debut cast with Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi “Dot” Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda. 

Performances were received critically, with credit being mostly given to debut star Vedang Raina for his portrayal of Reggie Mantle, which I can’t help but agree with.

The movie features Musical Numbers like “Va Va Voom” and “In Raahon Mein” and is, overall, a brilliant audio and visual experience for the viewer. Where the story lacks, however, is in its subplots. 

The film is set in the Anglo-Indian town of Riverdale, a fictional British settlement known as a safe haven for Anglo-Indian kids, and the casting is on point for each and every single one of the characters. The setting was pivotal, well crafted, and it made sure the audience believed the story. It touched on the issues of friendship, angst, love, and priorities. 

Despite the initial strengths, the introduction of Archie as a two-timer between Veronica and Betty seemed a bit forced and cliche, and the resolution of the love triangle ended up feeling rushed and didn’t exactly resonate with me. 

The show’s rating on IMDB is 6.1/10, which is on the higher side for a movie sidelined by the media for nepotism, especially since the three main leads come from renowned Bollywood families, such as Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan starring as Veronica Lodge. 

This, along with the introduction of the Dilton Doiley and the feelings he harbors towards Reggie Mantle, was a really good addition to the story overall, though it did seem a little out of the blue. 

Overall, I give the Archies a 7/10, with points for the fresh and simple storyline, and disappointment on the more poignant subplots, the subplots the more poignant subplots which failed to come to a proper resolution over the course of the short episodes.