The Archies syndrome: Imagine “Student of the Year”, blended with “High School Musical”, set in the 1960s. The movie is not directed by Karan Johar, and yet it has the same over the top portrayals, grand set pieces, and scenes that would make even a bald guy pull out his remaining hair in frustration.
Yep, that’s the description of “The Archies” right there. Let’s find out about this bizarre approach of elite Bollywood, and why it needs to get out of “The Archies” syndrome at once.
Bollywood’s problems in a nutshell
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, this OTT flick, soon to release on Netflix, is not just a movie. It is basically Bollywood and its problems in a nutshell, right there. “The Archies”, in the 1960s, presents itself as a jarring spectacle.
Now envision “Student of the Year”, amalgamated with “High School Musical”, transported back to the 1960s, and there you have “The Archies”! The movie exudes an air of over the top theatrics, complete with lavish set pieces and exaggerated narratives. The incorporation of cultural elements such as Rock and Roll, Burgers, Pizzas and sparkly dresses, which were not commonplace in Indian society, especially in 1964, adds to the film’s incongruity. But hey, welcome to Bollywood!
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What makes this situation more complicated is the fact that Akhtar’s film heavily features star kids, or the offspring of established Bollywood actors. Among the cast are Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan, and Khushi Kapoor, daughter of Boney Kapoor and Sridevi. Also included is ‘Dot,’ the daughter of late Indian rock musician Amit Saigal, who has made her mark in the music scene with her composition, ‘Everybody Dances to Techno.’
The casting of these star kids begs the question: What unique aspects do these privileged children bring to the table that other talented actors without a Bollywood lineage do not? This star-studded lineup has led to extensive promotion of the film by big names in Bollywood, offering hearty congratulations to their children for “making it big.” It raises a pertinent question: Is being a star kid the only way to success?
Just resistant to change!
The incongruity of “The Archies” is reminiscent of other recent Bollywood projects that have also struggled to resonate with audiences. This symptom of preferential treatment is not isolated to “The Archies.” Other recent films such as “Adipurush,” an epic retelling of Ramayana, and Karan Johar’s forthcoming “Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahani,” have suffered similar pitfalls. Both seem out of touch with the evolving sensibilities of contemporary audiences, offering a glaring testament to Bollywood’s struggle to stay relevant and engaging. Going by the glimpses of the latter, it seems that the mainstream Bollywood is just not ready to embrace change!
The nepotism problem stretches far beyond the confines of a single movie; it’s symptomatic of a deep-seated issue in the industry. The “Archies” syndrome is indicative of the unabated favoritism for star kids, which has contributed to a noticeable image crisis for Bollywood, leading to widespread disenchantment among the majority of Indian viewers.
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The issue of nepotism extends beyond the scope of a single movie and is indicative of a larger problem in the industry. The “Archies” syndrome, as we’ve dubbed it, is the glaring testament to the continued favoritism toward star kids, which, in turn, has created an image crisis for Bollywood and disillusioned the majority of Indian audiences.
The film industry needs a reset, a shift in focus back to raw talent and original storytelling, away from the glitz and glamour of dynastic Bollywood. Only then can it hope to win back the hearts of its audience and preserve the true spirit of cinema.
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