Zoya Akhtar Discusses The Archies Trailer: “It Provides a Glimpse into the Story, Plot, and Drama”

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, the creative minds behind Netflix’s highly anticipated coming-of-age drama, “The Archies,” share insights into crafting a fictional hill town set in the 1960s. The recently released trailer of “The Archies” provides a glimpse into the world of Riverdale, an Indian hill town with a vibrant Anglo-Indian community.

Immersed in the 60s vibe, the trailer of “The Archies” highlights the central theme of the film—the friendship among a group of teenagers. Akhtar, who co-wrote the film with Kagti and Ayesha Devitre, explains the trailer’s purpose: showcasing the movie’s setting, characters, and offering glimpses into the underlying story of friendship and coming of age.

Following the introduction of the dreamy ‘Riverdale’ town, the trailer introduces an existential question, with one teenager pondering the purpose of their lives. Akhtar notes that it’s just a glimpse, with much more unfolding in the 2.14-hour movie.

The film’s music, including ‘Va Va Voom’ by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and ‘Sunoh’ by Ankur Tewari and The Islanders, adds to the overall atmosphere. They aimed to transport viewers to a fictional town, contemplating thematic elements that would connect with today’s youth.

“The Archies” features a cast of young talents, including Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Yuvraj Menda, and Dot, as they portray a group of friends fighting to protect a park in Riverdale.

According to Kagti, “The Archies” reaches a broader audience, targeting individuals from the ages of 8 to 80 for the first time. The creators aimed to capture a time when simplicity prevailed, contrasting with the modern era dominated by mobile phones and social media. They hope the film resonates with the younger generation, creating a nostalgic connection to a world without digital technologies.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the Indian Express}