The inaugural film adaptation of the Archie comics is emerging from India in the form of “The Archies,” directed by Zoya Akhtar and co-written by Akhtar, Reema Kagti and Ayesha Devitre. Set to release on Netflix on December 7, the film marks a departure for Akhtar, who previously directed films with established stars such as “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”, “Dil Dhadakne Do” and “Gully Boy”. In a recent interview, Akhtar shared his experience working with a young cast and explained his decision to infuse the film with a musical element.
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When asked about handling a young cast after working with established stars, Akhtar noted the ease that comes with newcomers who approach their first work with open hearts and minds, without expectations.
Directors: Zoya Akhtar, Ryan Brophy
Writers: Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Ayesha DeVitre
Stars: Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan
He highlighted the advantage of having fresh faces embody iconic characters without preconceived notions. Akhtar recognized the need to establish rapport, trust and respect with actors, regardless of their level of experience. The cast underwent a six-month boot camp, fostering a close-knit dynamic as they grew up together, forming a tight-knit group that goes everywhere together.
Explaining the choice of musical format, Akhtar described “The Archies” as a storybook come to life, adapting it from India for a global audience. Acknowledging the dominance of Indian music, Akhtar highlighted the need to seamlessly weave songs into the narrative, using music to drive the story, enhance moments and explore emotions. From the script stage, the team was clear on how to integrate the music in a way that added a touch of magic, enhancing the fantasy of the film and creating a magical vibe.
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