Zoya Akhtar Defends The Archies Amidst Trolling

Acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has responded to the online criticism surrounding her upcoming film, The Archies, after the release of its first glimpse. The teaser was unveiled during a Netflix fan event in Brazil, where Zoya and the cast of The Archies were in attendance. However, when the first look of the film, featuring Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, Mihir Ahuja, and others, was revealed in May 2022, some social media users criticized the portrayal of the characters, claiming they did not appear Indian.
In response to the trolls, Zoya Akhtar addressed the issue, stating, “Why do you think that? They’re all Indian. Are you saying fair-skinned Indians are not Indians? How do we define what an Indian looks like? It could be Hrithik Roshan, it could be Mr. Rajinikanth, it could be Diljit Dosanjh, it could be Mary Kom. That’s the beauty of India.” She emphasized that there are many Indians who have lighter skin tones.
The Archies is a Netflix film set in a fictional hill station in 1964 India. It is a coming-of-age story that introduces a new generation to the teenagers of Riverdale. The film explores themes of friendship, freedom, love, heartbreak, and rebellion within the unique Anglo-Indian community. The cast includes Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, and others, marking their debut in the film industry.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Free Press Journal.