Karan Johar reviews The Archies

Netflix’s most eagerly film, The Archies, celebrated its premiere at the Grand Theatre, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, which was transformed into the fictional town of Riverdale, setting the perfect backdrop for the movie’s narrative. The event was a star-studded affair, graced by the stalwarts of the creative industry, friends and family – all of who were present to show their support for the film. The entire cast, including Agastya Nanda, Dot, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina and Yuvraj Menda and Director and Producer Zoya Akhtar and Producers Reema Kagti, Jon Goldwater and Sharad Devarajan were joined by Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix and Monika Shergill, VP for Content, Netflix India.

Following the premiere of the movie, Karan Johar penned a long note praising the cast and the team. “#TheArchies has been watched!!! A town of Anglo Indians called RIVERDALE! The year is 1964. And straight from the credit roll you’re sucked right into @zoieakhtar’s world and with her impeccable craft and command she makes sure you’re hooked! The production design, the cinematography,the choreography , the costume design will blow your mind with its on fleek detailing and aesthetic victories! Zoya and Reema not only speak of friendship and the traumas of genZ love but also of what a teenage mind can feel when they combat their sexual orientation and fear judgement ( watch out for this tender moment my favourite scene in the film) …but very subtly they adress climate change , voice of a minority and the need to uprise to injustice all this packaged to a zingy and zanny musical!! I felt young and wanted to be a friend to this magnificent 7 and go back in time where I spent hours reading this delicious comic series!”

Praising the cast of the film, Karan added, “The new kids on the block are fantastic… Agastya Nanda ( get onto Insta baby) is fantastic ! He makes a complicated and sometimes an unlikeable character so lovable! He had me at hello!!! @mihirahuja_ is Brilliant he has impeccable comic timing and yet scores in very emotional beat! I loved @dotandthesyllables she is like sunshine through and through @khushi05k as Betty broke my heart in the most beautiful way! Watch out for her silent moments … and her compassionate eyes ! A heart breaker in every way !!!! Loved her! @suhanakhan2 as VERONICA is coquettish , vulnerable and sassy ! All this with the ease of a veteran ! Watch her moves and grooves and that sass hits its out of the green park! She’s here to stay and conquer! @yuvrajmenda is just so so good!!!!! He had me in tears in one scene and please note his “thank YOUU” is going viral very soon!!!! @vedangraina as REGGIE walks the talk! He oozes charm and confidence in equal measure and has that movie star swag!! Also dances with unabashed ease!”

He concluded, “Congratulations to @zoieakhtar and @reemakagti1 for making my evening so special! Nostalgia and a rocking musical! I am not complaining! Congratulations to Monika and team @netflix_in for executing such a brilliant and strategic campaign! Watch it asap!”

The industry came together like they never have in decades to show support and cheer on the film and the next generation of incredible talent. In attendance were legendary actors, actresses, music composers and filmmakers including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Gauri Khan, Boney Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Subhash Ghai, David Dhawan, Karisma Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Shilpa Shetty, Hema Malini, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Pooja Bhatt, Honey Irani, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Apoorva Mehta, Janhvi Kapoor, Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, Imtiaz Ali, Jackie Shroff, Ayan Mukerji, Jasmeet K Reen, Jim Sarbh, Sobhita Dhulipala, Vir Das, Nitesh Tewari, Ashwini Iyer Tewari, Rhea Kapoor, Aayushman Khurana, Huma Qureshi, Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy, Ankur Tewari and others attended with their families. Mr Mukhesh Ambani and his family also graced the red carpet, watched the film, and applauded the cast and crew present.

The film is scheduled for release on December 7th, only on Netflix.