Zoya Akhtar addresses criticism over character appearance in Indian Archie comics adaptation

Renowned filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has addressed the backlash surrounding her upcoming directorial venture, The Archies, an Indian adaptation of the beloved Archie Comics. The criticism escalated after a teaser of the film was unveiled during the Netflix global fan event TUDUM in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Since the initial glimpse of The Archies was released, fans have voiced their dissatisfaction, asserting that the characters and the world depicted in the adaptation do not appear Indian. Particularly due to the story being set in a 1964 Indian hill station, some argued that the portrayal did not align with their perception of how Indians looked during that era.

Responding to the criticism, Zoya Akhtar defended her casting choices and challenged the notion that a specific appearance defines an Indian. In an interview with Mid-Day at TUDUM, she addressed the concerns, stating, "Why do you think that? They're all Indian. This is kind of reverse (racism). Are you saying fair Indians are not Indians? How do we define what an Indian looks like? That's the beauty of India. There are a lot of Indians that are light-skinned."

Zoya Akhtar further explained her intention behind setting The Archies in 1964, emphasizing that she wanted to capture a simpler and more innocent time, resonating with her personal experience of reading Archie Comics. In an interview with Film Companion, she expressed her desire to preserve the essence of the comics while ensuring it appeals to young adult today.

The Archies, set in the Anglo-Indian community of the fictional hill station Riverdale, serves as Zoya Akhtar's interpretation of the popular comic series. By maintaining the storyline in a bygone era, she aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and gentleness while making it relatable to contemporary audiences.

As the debate surrounding the appearance of characters in The Archies continues, Zoya Akhtar's response sheds light on the importance of embracing diverse representations of Indians in cinema. Her commitment to preserving the essence of the comic while infusing it with a modern resonance highlights her creative approach in reimagining a beloved franchise.

Adapted by Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Ayesha DeVitre, The Archies is a highly anticipated project. The film is produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's production house, Tiger Baby Films, and is set to premiere on Netflix India on November 24.

The inclusion of star kids and emerging talents in the cast adds further excitement to this adaptation, piquing the curiosity of audiences eager to see the younger generation make their mark in the industry. The Archies promises to be a compelling cinematic experience, bringing together a blend of established and fresh talents under Zoya Akhtar's direction.