The Archies X Review: Suhana Khan-Agastya Nanda's musical drama gets mixed reactions, Vedang Raina steals the show

From The Archies announcement to its trailer, all eyes were on star kids’ Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor and Agastya Nanda’s Bollywood debut. And now when the musical drama has finally been released, the viewers have spammed the micro-blogging site X(formerly known as Twitter) with their reviews. While some hailed the movie for its fascinating setting and cinematography, others were disappointed by the average performances. However, a majority of netizens lauded Vedang Raina’s acting in the film.

A user wrote, “#TheArchies just didn’t work for me unfortunately. Didn’t think it was possible but Zoya Akhtar has made such a …low energy film (doing my best here not to use the word “dull” coz that would break my heart). It’s all pretty packaging but I rarely felt much for anyone.” The second user commented, “#TheArchies is good for kids. It teaches about protecting environment and anyone can have political power to fight for the right. Except Vedang Raina, below average performance and zero screen presence from rest of the actors. Technically the movie is really good.”

Also read: The Archies Celeb Review: Katrina Kaif calls it 'beautifully crafted'; Janhvi Kapoor, Karan Johar, Madhuri Dixit and others praise Zoya Akhtar's film 

#TheArchies just didn’t work for me unfortunately. Didn’t think it was possible but Zoya Akhtar has made such a …low energy film (doing my best here not to use the word “dull” coz that would break my heart). It’s all pretty packaging but I rarely felt much for anyone.

— Suchin Mehrotra (@suchin545) December 7, 2023

#TheArchies : my 2 cents
Positives: the plot was pretty engaging , Yuvraj and dot were nice but oh boy VEDANG RAINA stole the show

negatives: the leading ladies . Everytime suhana says “archiekins” , istg you want to rip your ears off and khushi is just so clueless

— 🍃 (@rxsesdrea) December 7, 2023

Surprisingly loved #TheArchies way more than I thought I will. It's no ZNMD or LBC but it makes its own space in Zoya's prestigious filmography by being itself - A light on it's feet, cute film about cute people with a touch of sass and politics for beginners.
Kids were all GOOD

— Chiranjeevi (@thandaa_angaara) December 7, 2023

“#TheArchies is the epitome of MID. It lacks the zing the comics and the show riverdale had. Screenplay is just so shitty and is full of poor acting. Archie Andrews and Reggie Mantle were only the characters justified by the actors.Ngl, starkids are def a plague in the Bollywood,sic,” commented a netizen. Another added, “In a re-imagined 1960s India, the director should have created some decent rock and roll music since the story didn't have depth but all the songs sound the same and are forgettable just like the cast of the archies except for Vedang Raina(4)#TheArchiesOnNetflix” Check out the reactions here:

Also read: Suhana Khan breaks stereotypes by upholding comfort over style, removes heels midway during The Archies screening

#TheArchies is the epitome of MID. It lacks the zing the comics and the show riverdale had. Screenplay is just so shitty and is full of poor acting.
Archie Andrews and Reggie Mantle were only the characters justified by the actors.
Ngl, starkids are def a plague in the bollywood.

— Aayushman (@aaayushmannn) December 7, 2023

#TheArchies is a wonderful ride. Every character shines up, spectacular set . Zoya, you proved once again you can make any story real. I can't believe I made my husband love the movie, who barely watches anything outside the news. #SuhanaKhan, you stayed in Veronica.

— nahid fatema (@sonyanahid) December 7, 2023

Meanwhile, The Archies is set in the 60s and revolves around the lives of teenagers and the future of Riverdale as developers threaten to destroy a beloved park. Besides Suhana, Agastya, and Khushi, the film also stars Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, Yuvraj Menda and Dot in pivotal roles. Backed by Tiger Baby Films, Graphic India and Archie Comic, the film released on December 7, 2023 on Netflix.