The Archies: From cast to plot, here’s everything you need to know about Zoya Akhtar's musical drama

As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated release of Zoya Akhtar's ‘The Archies’ on Netflix tomorrow, excitement is reaching a fever pitch among fans and cinephiles alike. The film not only introduces a fresh and dynamic star cast but also marks an intriguing Indian adaptation of the beloved Archie Comics, making it a cinematic spectacle to watch out for. And here’s everything you need to know about the musical drama.

New faces in the spotlight
‘The Archies’ boasts a lineup of promising newcomers set to breathe new life into the iconic characters. Agastya Nanda steps into the shoes of the charming and talented Archie Andrews, while Khushi Kapoor takes on the role of Betty Cooper. Suhana Khan embodies Veronica Lodge, Mihir Ahuja transforms into the always-hungry Jughead Jones, Vedang Raina portrays Reggie Mantle, and Yuvraj Menda brings Dilton Doiley to life. Aditi ‘Dot’ Saigal rounds out the ensemble as Ethel Muggs.

In addition to the main cast, notable appearances by Koel Purie, Santana Roach, Tara Sharma Saluja, and Delnaaz Irani add further intrigue to the cinematic narrative.

A musical journey through Riverdale
The drama unfolds as a coming-of-age musical, transporting audiences to the fictional hilly town of Riverdale. Through the unique lens of the Anglo-Indian community, the film explores themes of friendship, freedom, love, heartbreak, and rebellion.


At its core, the story revolves around the friendship of seven teenagers, tested when a massive local redevelopment program jeopardizes a beloved park. Veronica's father spearheads the redevelopment, aiming to construct a hotel on the park site. In a united front, the gang sets aside their differences, working together to save the public space from destruction.

Runtime and trailer
Clocking in at 2 hours and 21 minutes (141 mins), ‘The Archies’ promises an immersive experience for viewers. The trailer, unveiled in November, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world filled with music, friendship, love, and a collective determination to make their voices heard. Ending with the empowering message, ‘You’re never too young to change the world,’ the trailer sets the stage for a captivating cinematic journey.


The captain of the ship and his team
‘The Archies’ is helmed by the talented director Zoya Akhtar, who has also collaborated on the screenplay with Reema Kagti, and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon. The film's cinematography is expertly handled by Nikos Andritsakis, with Nitin Baid taking on the role of film editor. The song sequences have been choreographed by Bosco-Caesar and Ganesh Hegde.

‘The Archies’ soundtrack
Released on November 25th, 2023, the film's soundtrack is a melodic composition featuring contributions from Ankur Tewari, The Islanders, Aditi Saigal, and the legendary Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Tejas, Arijit Singh, and Suhana Khan, making her singing debut, are among the talented voices bringing the musical dimension to life.

Filming locations
‘The Archies’ unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Ooty and the bustling streets of Mumbai. The first schedule, commencing in April 2022, was shot in Ooty, followed by the second schedule filmed in Mumbai.

Release date and grand premiere
Set to premiere on Netflix on December 7th, 2023, ‘The Archies’ already made waves at the 54th International Film Festival of India on November 22nd. The grand premiere, held on December 5th at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, drew Bollywood's glitterati, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and more, adding an extra layer of glamour to the film's debut.