'The Archies' movie review: Too simple, but the kids are all right.

Zoya Akhtar's take on Archie Comics provides a warm and delightful option for a Christmas viewing, offering a visually pleasing and emotionally comforting experience. Yet, considering the director's pedigree, it leaves a sense of disappointment.

As Suhana Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's daughter, and Khushi Kapoor, Boney Kapoor's daughter, step into Zoya Akhtar's "The Archies," the cheerful opening number 'Sunoh' warmly introduces them. Notably, the names 'suhani' and 'khushi' resound on the track in an overtly conspicuous manner. It raises the question of whether the credit for this luminous concept goes to the seasoned lyricist Javed Akhtar or his co-songwriter Dot. Regardless, it conveys a somewhat misguided message. These young actors are just beginning their journey in the world of cinema, and yet, they seem to be exerting a noticeable influence.

It was a delightful surprise to discover that Akhtar would be directing a live-action Indian adaptation of Archie Comics. If you grew up in the 80s and 90s and frequented railway station bookstalls, you would be familiar with the original comics and the fundamental character types and premise. For those unfamiliar, there is five decades of Hindi romantic cinema to draw from. From "Bobby" to "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar" to "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," our films have consistently borrowed from the Archie template and mood board. This obsession persists into the present age, evident in films like the two "Student of the Year" installments or the visual design of Rohit Shetty’s hill station comedies.

Regrettably, this poses a challenge for Akhtar and co-writers Reema Kagti and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon. They understand that Indian audiences are well-acquainted with the Archie setup, especially the famous love triangle at its core. As astute creators, they aim to offer something more than basic and mundane. However, partnering with Netflix, which already features "Riverdale," prompts the need for their Indian Archie to have a distinct look and feel. Akhtar strives to strike a balance but falls short. Her film feels nostalgic, idealistic... simplistic.

The Riverdale of this Archies adaptation is an idyllic hill station in 1960s India. It’s introduced to us in loving terms by Archie Andrews (Agastya Nanda), who is 17 and fronts a band. His plane Jane neighbour, Betty Cooper (Khushi Kapoor), nurses a crush on him. While Archie is making plans to begin college in London — “What if Cliff Richard had never left Lucknow?” he asks his parents — his ex, heiress Veronica Lodge (Suhana Khan), has just returned from there. Veronica’s father, Hiram (Alyy Khan), has sinister plans to redevelop the town, converting its centrally-placed Green Park into a luxury hotel. It’s the year of Nehru’s death, 1964, so it is feasible that capitalism is afoot.

"The Archies" (Hindi)

• Director: Zoya Akhtar

• Cast: Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja,

• Run-time: 141 minutes

• Plot: Set in 1960s India, Archie, Betty, Veronica, and others join forces to rescue Riverdale from the clutches of greedy capitalists.

We get introduced to the rest of the Riverdale crew — Vedang Raina as Reggie, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead, Aditi 'Dot' Saigal as Ethel, Yuvraj Menda as Dilton, Rudra Mahuvarkar as Moose, and Santana Roach as Midge. Juggling finishing school, part-time jobs, and navigating the ever-shifting romance between Archie, Ronnie, and Betty, these youngsters will navigate the challenges of growing up and unite to protect Green Park. Akhtar weaves the narrative together with a lively selection of musical numbers, taking an American approach where dialogue and scenarios seamlessly transition into song. Unlike traditional Hindi films, there are no unabashed 'fantasy' sequences, though "The Archies" pays homage to Shammi Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi, it is somewhat cautious about appearing too Bollywood.

Certain moments effortlessly come to life, such as the charming scene where Archie and Betty cycle down to Green Park at dusk. The film's funniest gag, albeit arriving a bit too late, features a handcuffed Jughead being interrogated surrounded by a tantalizing array of mouth-watering food. The writers have transplanted the narrative to the experiences of the Anglo-Indian community in the 1960s, showcasing a mix of accents, hairstyles, and personal histories. For instance, we learn that Archie's grandfather stayed back after Independence, establishing a travel agency and generously contributing to charity, while Reggie's grandfather founded a pro-Independence newspaper.

The young cast delivers commendable performances. Vedang Raina shines as the handsome, shiny-haired Reggie. Suhana Khan offers a traditional interpretation of Veronica, with Archie teasing her, "It's too early in the morning to get this foxy." Agastya, as the lead, delivers his lines in a subdued, contemplative manner, portraying Archie as consistently non-committal about his words and feelings. Kapoor's poignant, unembellished performance as Betty stands out, especially in her melancholic soliloquies sung by Dot. Zoya Akhtar skillfully orchestrates a lively supporting cast, including Puja Sarup, Vinay Pathak, Suhaas Ahuja, Delnaaz Irani, among others.

"The Archies" provides a cozy Christmas watch, offering a visually appealing and emotionally resonant experience. However, coming from a director like Akhtar, known for the charged and dynamic "Gully Boy" (2019), the film feels somewhat underwhelming. Its celebration of a bygone socialist-idealist ethos is hindered by its overly immaculate design. Every detail, from the Andrews' family Ambassador to a road trip reminiscent of "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara," appears perfectly crafted with few rough edges. While this one may be a miss, there's hope that Zoya Akhtar's future projects will bring pleasant surprises.