The Archies - "Anglo-can"

The Archie's

2023, Hindi

Watch on Netflix

Director - Zoya Akhtar

Stars - Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja

Mohan's Measure ⭐

Yes, this is indeed the Bollywood interpretation of the campy American Comic books, TV series, and one hit wonder spinoff band which we Gen Xers grew up on. The only exception, this is Bollywood, that somehow manages to screw up even the most innocent of efforts.

Mainly style over anything of substance, this movie is a weird mix of Bollywood TV Serial and the Happy Days situation comedy. There is little doubt it was made to promote Miss Khan, her histrionic being the center of Archie's attention. Interestingly, he is the only one having any interest in the fairer gender, two timing between Miss Khan's Veronica and Ms. Kapoor's Betty. The only one interested in Reggie is another young man.

Proclaiming this as a proud Anglo Indian community certainly explains the names, but it also brings a certain "Woke-ness" to the whole thing. Since when are Anglo Indians a special interest community?

Within 2-1/2 hours of poorly written songs, hugs and kisses, soliloquy on friendship, teeny bopper romance,  and perfect community action efforts, I was hoping to see a ruffian or two, perhaps even a good fight scene.

Would Ms. Akhtar consider a Bollywood version of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids?