PremiumBefore The Archies premieres, here are 5 Bollywood films that are an ode to Archie comics
Love triangles and high school dramas have been recurring themes in many Bollywood films, which seem to share DNA with Archie Comics.
Last Updated: 03.13 PM, Dec 06, 2023
The exciting premiere of The Archies on Netflix is only a day away. Zoya Akhtar has adapted the popular comic book of the same name, making it among the first globally. However, The Archies has always been a part of popular culture, be it through movies or TV shows. In Bollywood, we have seen recurring themes of coming-of-age, college romance, unrequited love between friends, love triangles, and more.
Before The Archies, starring Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda in the lead roles, releases, let's explore five Bollywood films that have drawn inspiration from the comic book.
Director Mansoor Khan's film stars Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Deepak Tijori, Pooja Bedi, and Mamik Singh in lead roles. The setting of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar is the cutthroat high school world, much like the Archie comics. Aamir plays the lead role of Sanju, who is the film's archetypal Archie Andrews. Aamir embodies the irreverent and endearing character that is typically depicted as Archie in the comics. Deepak Tijori as Shekhar is similar to Archie's Reggie Mantle. He is an affluent and privileged student and is Sanju's adversary. Ayesha Jhulka portrays Anjali, who is caring and helpful. Her character personifies Betty Cooper. Pooja Bedi brings the Veronica Lodge stereotype to life as Devika, a self-assured, fashion-forward, and affluent woman.
Karan Johar, the director of this Bollywood classic, includes a love triangle, which is a recurring plot point in Archie comics. The movie beautifully depicts the transformation of friendship into love, drawing parallels to Archie's relationships with Betty and Veronica. Shah Rukh Khan plays Rahul, the pivotal figure in the romantic triangle. His portrayal exemplifies the charming and amiable traits frequently linked to Archie Andrews. Kajol plays Anjali, who was Rahul's best buddy in college. She is full of life, a little bit wild, and incredibly compassionate, just like Betty Cooper. Tina, portrayed by Rani Mukerji, is sophisticated and fashionable, just like Veronica Lodge.
Mujhse Dosti Karoge, which Kunal Kohli directed, explores the transition from friendship to love by drawing inspiration from the dynamics of friendship in Archie comics. Unrequited love and the value of true relationships are themes explored in the film. In the film, Hrithik Roshan plays Raj, who is a lot like the endearing and charismatic Archie Andrews. Rani Mukerji portrays Pooja, Raj's childhood buddy, who is much like the kind and helpful Betty Cooper. Kareena Kapoor Khan portrays Tina, Raj's childhood buddy, who is beautiful and self-assured, just like Veronica Lodge.
This Bollywood coming-of-age film is relatable to Archie comics as it depicts the difficulties of adolescent love. Like the comics, the story follows the protagonists as they deal with the difficulties of relationships, peer pressure, and coming into their own. Shahid Kapoor plays Rajiv, who personifies Archie Andrews's characteristic innocence and impressionable youth. Amrita Rao plays Payal, Rajiv's childhood friend, who shares the kind and sensible traits of Betty Cooper. Shenaz Treasury plays Alisha, a beautiful and well-liked college girl who is self-assured and fashionable like Veronica Lodge.
Director Homi Adajania's film is in the same vein as the tight-knit gang in Archie comics. Cocktail explores the complexities of contemporary friendships. Echoing the timeless themes of friendship present in Archie's universe, this film delves into the complexities of friendship and the complications that occur when romantic sentiments are involved. Deepika Padukone portrays Veronica, a contemporary lady who embodies freedom and independence. She shares a lot in common with Veronica Lodge, beyond just her first name. Diana Penty plays Meera, a shy and conventional woman who represents the grounded attributes frequently seen in Betty Cooper. Saif Ali Khan is a freewheeling and magnetic Gautam. His personality is consistent with that of the affable and laid-back Archie Andrews.