Starkid debut: First look at Bollywood’s ‘The Archies’ is out

The children of Bollywood superstars, including Shah Rukh Khan and Sridevi, are making their showbiz debut with the upcoming Netflix film The Archies. The 1960s coming-of-age musical is set in the fictional town of Riverdale, with the teaser of the film showing the cast of characters dancing around, appearing to be living their best life.

Sharing the clip on her Instagram, director Zoya Akhtar wrote, “Ain't nothing like old school. Grab your gang 'cause the Archies are coming soon on @netflix_in !” Based on the iconic Archie comics, the film will star SRK’s daughter Suhana Khan and the daughter of Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, in roles based on Veronica and Betty respectively. The series will also feature the grandson of Bollywood royalty Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, Agastya Nanda, in the role of Archie. The film will mark the Bollywood debut of all three actors.

A pitch for the film reads, “A musical experience bursting with youth, rebellion, friendships, first loves and everything young adult, it still promises to have something for every generation. The film has the iconic gang of The Archies’ at the centre of it, and perfectly matches the youthful energy, hope and excitement of the sixties era.”

The Bollywood film will “reimagine the classic characters like Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, Moose and Jughead as Indians and will feature all the classic elements of the hugely popular comic book series,” Variety had previously announced. It has been written by Kagti, Akhtar and Ayesha DeVitre. 

The cast announcement teaser was set to a track by Ankur Tewari and The Islanders.