Zoya Akhtar Defends The Archies Cast Amid Online Criticism

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has addressed the online criticism directed at the young actors who starred in her latest project, The Archies. During an appearance on Komal Nahta’s Game Changers podcast, Zoya expressed her disappointment over the backlash the debutants faced, emphasizing that she felt responsible for their performances.Zoya Akhtar’s Perspective on The Archies CastThe Archies introduced three star kids to the world of acting: Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan; Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan; and Khushi Kapoor, the younger daughter of Sridevi. Following the film’s release in 2023, the trio received a mixed reception, with some online users criticizing their performances. When asked if newcomers generally face harsh judgment, Zoya pointed out that not all fresh faces receive the same level of scrutiny. “I think the audience is tough on certain newcomers, but not all of them,” she noted.The director acknowledged feeling personally responsible for the situation, explaining that she was deeply involved in every step of their journey. “I felt bad because they trusted me. I auditioned them, chose them for these roles, trained them, and directed them. They did exactly what I asked of them, so it falls on me. It was upsetting to see them being bullied online. That was unfair. It’s my responsibility,” she added.Audience and Marketing PerspectivesIn a separate conversation with The Indian Express, Khushi Kapoor shared her thoughts on how the film’s marketing could have been more precise. She suggested that it should have been made clearer that The Archies was intended for a younger demographic. “Honestly, I wouldn’t change much about the film itself. But perhaps from a marketing standpoint, it should have been more explicitly positioned for younger viewers. The audience that truly enjoyed it was largely under the age of 16. Not every film has to appeal to everyone,” she said.About The ArchiesDirected by Zoya Akhtar, The Archies also featured Mihir Ahuja, Dot, Vedang Raina, and Yuvraj Menda. The musical drama was released on Netflix on November 22, 2023, bringing the iconic comic book characters to life in an Indian setting.