<p>Operation Safed Sagar, which was released earlier this month, brings one of the lesser-known chapters of the 1999 Kargil War to audiences. Alongside Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill and Abhay Verma, the Netflix series also stars Mihir Ahuja as Flying Officer C.H. Bal Reddy, aka Baldy, one of the young officers navigating the challenges of war while balancing his personal life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The series sheds light on the Indian Air Force's No. 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, and the role it played during the historic war. Inspired by real events, Operation Safed Sagar follows the squadron's perilous missions during the conflict. For Mihir, who was just a year old when the Kargil War took place, the series offered an opportunity to go beyond the story he knew growing up and discover the scale, teamwork and sacrifices behind India's victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-safed-sagar-meet-the-real-heroes-behind-netflix-s-kargil-war-series-1786193414976"><strong> Operation Safed Sagar: Meet the real heroes behind Netflix’s Kargil War series</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In an exclusive conversation with <i>WION</i>, Mihir opened up about playing a real-life hero, what surprised him most about the Kargil War, and the challenges of shooting at 16,500 feet in sub-zero temperatures. The 28-year-old actor also spoke about his bond with co-stars Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill, his journey from Jamshedpur to Mumbai and more.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> What was special about Operation Safed Sagar that made you want to be a part of the series?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja: </strong>Honestly, a lot of things. Firstly, when I read the script, I was so stunned by it. Getting to play a real-life hero is something anyone would want to do.</p><p>What has stayed with me, honestly, is the love from the officers, the soldiers and the pilots. The way they accepted us as civilians and granted us permission to enter the Air Force stations and shoot at these locations is something that isn't easy for anyone. So, yeah, that has stayed with me - the love I got from them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION</strong>: We all know the broad history of the Kargil War, but was there anything you learnt while filming the series that really surprised you?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> I was one year old when the Kargil War took place. Like everyone else, I knew that we won the Kargil War, but I didn't know the details.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>What we've shown in this series is just one operation. Operation Safed Sagar has only shown one part- the story of No. 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows. But there were a lot of squadrons and a lot of teams involved. We can't tell all the stories at once.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So, if you're inspired just by watching this, it's not even one-fourth of the story of the Kargil War because it was also a story of the Army and the Navy. It was very, very vast, and we won it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/operation-safed-sagar-trailer-promises-a-gripping-tribute-to-the-heroes-of-the-kargil-war-1784554524902"><strong>Operation Safed Sagar trailer promises a gripping tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>What really surprised me was the teamwork and the unity behind it. The small details, the number of calculations the pilots had to make before a MIG flies or before a bomb is dropped - we, as civilians, had no clue about all of this.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Everyone had given up their sleep and peace at that time. There were sleepless nights for the soldiers and the pilots, and they were still working to protect our nation. Because for them, the whole of India is their family. So they go by that motto.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> What was the most challenging part of the shoot for you, emotionally or physically?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> My character's arc is emotionally very present in the show. His emotional arc is very different because I am stuck between two things - my love and the love for my country.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mentally, as actors, you don't always realise what you're going through while shooting. But after a 12-hour shoot, you feel exhausted. Subconsciously, you don't even feel it, but when you go home, you realise that you've given yourself a lot of mental stress that day. So that was mentally exhausting. During the shoot, it didn't feel like that. I felt it after going home.</p><p>The biggest physical challenge was in Shinkula and Jispa, where we shot at 16,500 feet above sea level. We were shooting in minus 20 and minus 25 degrees.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There were times when people were moving forward and, if we looked back, two or three of our people were going one by one. We wouldn't even realise that they had fallen because the oxygen level there was so low.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/operation-safed-sagar-review-siddharth-and-jimmy-shergill-soar-in-a-restrained-kargil-war-drama-1786096140665"><strong>Operation Safed Sagar review: Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill soar in a restrained Kargil war drama</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even after acclimatisation, we found out after two or three days that the body had acclimatised. But then a local there said that it wasn't easy to even stay there for two days, and we were shooting there for 40 days. So that was difficult.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But kudos to the crew - the light men, the spot boys and the production team. And especially the directors and the creators. They were present for every scene there. So it was a different challenge for them as well.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> The series has a big cast and you got to work with actors like Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill. What was the dynamic like on the set?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> It was very dynamic. I've read this somewhere and I believe it's true - someone who is a good human being will be a good actor. So, to become a good actor, you have to be a good human being.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>All the people I've worked with - Siddharth sir and Jimmy sir - are very, very good. They are down to earth and humble. We used to chill together and have fun together.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jimmy sir and my conversations were mostly about diet and discipline. Siddharth is such a good gel in our group. We have fun together, and he has a very good sense of humour. So that's something I really, really love about him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> Can you share a memorable behind-the-scenes moment from the shoot?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> I remember this one moment. If you're shooting somewhere in Mumbai, the directors might say, 'Get the car from behind' or 'Bring the car into the frame.' Here, we were doing it with helicopters. 'Bring the helicopter a little forward. Bring the helicopter back.'</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was surreal. We were like, 'Is this actually happening?' I vividly remember that moment from the set.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> You grew up in Jamshedpur. When did you decide that you wanted to pursue acting as a career?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> I think that your city, your place, your longitude or latitude can decide what you want to be. If you have passion, you can do what you want to do. You just need to go with it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/kargil-vijay-diwas-the-real-story-that-inspired-siddharth-jimmy-shergill-s-operation-safed-sagar-1785063455060"><strong>Kargil Vijay Diwas: The real story that inspired Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill's Operation Safed Sagar</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Very early in my life, I decided. I used to jokingly say, 'I want to become an actor. I want to become an actor.' But that joke was true because I honestly enjoyed it. I had an inclination towards performing arts from the very beginning.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I used to do performances in school and stage performances and everything. So when I was around 10 or 12 years old, I had made up my mind.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> What was the biggest reality check you got after coming to Mumbai?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> I already had an idea about how much patience this industry needs. But in the beginning, I didn't get a chance to give auditions. So I didn't know how to crack that.</p><p>I thought, 'Yes, I know how to act. I'll go and get a chance to give auditions. After that, whether it happens or not, that's another story.' But to even get a chance to audition, I had to take a step back and figure out how I could get that opportunity. That was surprising.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> Is there a role you really want to do but haven't been offered yet?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> I don't want to sound like I'm bragging or boasting about myself, but as an actor, I feel, I can do anything.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I've said this before- something like a Prince Charming or a Rapunzel kind of shoot, but something like that in India, like Snow White or something. I hope that comes true.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And comedy. I love doing comedy. So something like Bhagam Bhag, De Dana Dan and those Govinda and Kader Khan films. I'm watching those films, and I'd love to do something like that.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Madgaon Express is a very recent example. I love how Kunal Khemu — we never looked at him as a director, but he has such a great vision as a director. The film also did so well. I'd love to do something like that.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WION:</strong> What is Mihir like when there is no camera around?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mihir Ahuja:</strong> A fun person. I think I'm an ambivert. Not an introvert, but somewhere in the middle. It takes time for me to open up, but when I open up, then...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I'm also very fond of travelling, so whenever I get a chance, I try to pick up my bag and leave.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Actor Mihir Ahuja, who played Baldy in Operation Safed Sagar has received a lot of appreciation for his role. During an interview with WION, he spoke about the challenges while filming the series, his journey from Jamshedpur and more.

Operation Safed Sagar, which was released earlier this month, brings one of the lesser-known chapters of the 1999 Kargil War to audiences. Alongside Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill and Abhay Verma, the Netflix series also stars Mihir Ahuja as Flying Officer C.H. Bal Reddy, aka Baldy, one of the young officers navigating the challenges of war while balancing his personal life. The series sheds light on the Indian Air Force's No. 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, and the role it played during the historic war. Inspired by real events, Operation Safed Sagar follows the squadron's perilous missions during the conflict. For Mihir, who was just a year old when the Kargil War took place, the series offered an opportunity to go beyond the story he knew growing up and discover the scale, teamwork and sacrifices behind India's victory. Also Read: Operation Safed Sagar: Meet the real heroes behind Netflix’s Kargil War series In an exclusive conversation with WION, Mihir opened up about playing a real-life hero, what surprised him most about the Kargil War, and the challenges of shooting at 16,500 feet in sub-zero temperatures. The 28-year-old actor also spoke about his bond with co-stars Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill, his journey from Jamshedpur to Mumbai and more. WION: What was special about Operation Safed Sagar that made you want to be a part of the series? Mihir Ahuja: Honestly, a lot of things. Firstly, when I read the script, I was so stunned by it. Getting to play a real-life hero is something anyone would want to do. What has stayed with me, honestly, is the love from the officers, the soldiers and the pilots. The way they accepted us as civilians and granted us permission to enter the Air Force stations and shoot at these locations is something that isn't easy for anyone. So, yeah, that has stayed with me - the love I got from them. WION: We all know the broad history of the Kargil War, but was there anything you learnt while filming the series that really surprised you? Mihir Ahuja: I was one year old when the Kargil War took place. Like everyone else, I knew that we won the Kargil War, but I didn't know the details. What we've shown in this series is just one operation. Operation Safed Sagar has only shown one part- the story of No. 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows. But there were a lot of squadrons and a lot of teams involved. We can't tell all the stories at once. So, if you're inspired just by watching this, it's not even one-fourth of the story of the Kargil War because it was also a story of the Army and the Navy. It was very, very vast, and we won it. Also Read: Operation Safed Sagar trailer promises a gripping tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War

<p>Actor Mihir Ahuja, who played Baldy in Operation Safed Sagar, has received a lot of appreciation for his role. During an interview with WION, he spoke about the challenges while filming the series, his journey from Jamshedpur and more.</p>

'Not even one-fourth of the story': Mihir Ahuja on Operation Safed Sagar, -25°C shoots and the Kargil War | Interview

<p>One of the most gifted filmmakers of our times Zoya Akhtar steps out of her comfort zone in her latest The Archies. At the onset, The Archies looks like a teenage romance story - after all, it launches six new faces in the film industry- three of them are star kids and already have their separate fan base. To be directed by one of the most prolific makers and be backed by one of the biggest OTT giants, Netflix, it does seem like a perfect launch pad for these young actors. The fact that The Archies is an Indian adaptation of the iconic Archie comic series just seems like a cherry on top. But can Akhtar be making a simple teeny bopper without an underlying message on the flawed society? Not quite. Does she succeed in delivering the message? Well, in parts.<br />
<br />
<strong>What is <em>The Archies</em> about?</strong><br />
<br />
We have all read <em>The Archies</em> comics at some point in our life, haven't we? If not read the comic book, we are surely familiar with Archie, Veronica and Betty. Akhtar along with co-writers Reema Kagti and &nbsp;Ayesha Devitre Dhillon sets the story in the 1960s and brings the American town Riverdale to India and makes it a fictitious town in the hills of north India where mostly anglo-Indians live. Archie (Agastya Nanda), Veronica (Suhana Khan), Betty (Khushi Kapoor) and the gang are 17-year-old school goers who are living a rather cocooned life. Archie wants to study music in London and become the next Cliff Richards- he even has a band <em>The Archies</em> that croons at almost all events in the town. Archie also is a confused lad, in love with two girls, the super rich, suave Veronica and her bestie and Archie's neighbour, simpleton Betty. While the young boy pines for both the girls, Archies' best friend Jughead (Mihir Ahuja) thinks it's a bad idea.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Amid love and career choices, Archie and his gang are suddenly made aware of the fact that their cute little Riverdale is going to get transformed all thanks to Mr Lodge, Veronica's dad who is planning to make a massive hotel at the heart of the town where at present Green park is situated. The park holds a lot of sentimental value for the people of the town and so the news is met with resistance from the young adults. But can Archie and the gang save their beloved Green Park? And who does Archie finally choose between Veronica and Betty forms the rest of the story.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>A musical&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
Akhtar narrates the story of <em>The Archies</em> through music. The film has 16 songs and a lot of the characters' internal conflicts are narrated through songs. For that matter, some of the most important moments of the film are all narrated through some soulful and foot-tapping music. Musicals like these- which form an important part of the narrative- are common in Hollywood. In India, the genre has not been explored to its full potential. There have been a few films in recent years but none have been able to connect with the audience. The Archies, in that sense, take a big risk. Not only does it fall into the bracket of a musical, but it also has a lot of English songs- all based on the retro 1960s beats. Many in India would not be able to connect. Having said that, The Archies has a splendid soundtrack. Composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Ankur Tiwari, The Islanders, and Aditi Saigal (DOT) deliver some soulful ballads and foot-tapping numbers. The songs are also well-choreographed by Ganesh Hegde. The song Va Va Voom particularly makes you want to break into a jig.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/07zwmOypaV8?si=yAgZskU52AuyDk83" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<strong>Do the newcomers deliver?</strong><br />
<br />
Yes and no. There has been a lot of curiosity around the newcomers in&nbsp;the film. The pressure is especially higher on Shah Rukh Khan's daughter Suhana Khan, Sridevi's daughter Khushi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda owing to their lineage. Among these three, its Suhana Khan who shines the brightest as self-assured and rich Veronica. Khan has a lot of screen presence and exudes confidence in every frame making her debut performance look quite effortless. Agastya Nanda shines in moments but seems uncomfortable in certain scenes- as in being very aware of the responsibility of leading the show. Khushi Kapoor is perhaps the weakest among the trio. She looks splendid in every frame but her performance lacks the spark that the original Betty Cooper has in the comics. Betty was vivacious and kind which Kapoor's character is unable to portray.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The other four young actors, on the other hand, shine in their respective roles. Perhaps the lack of a pressure of lineage does the trick for these stars. Dot as Ethel, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, Vedang Raina as Reggie, and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton deliver well to their parts. Ahuja who was previously seen in Made in Heaven 2, in particular, shines as the burger-loving Jughead. His scenes with Agastya are the high points of<em> The Archies. </em>The two boys compliment each other well. One as the confused in love and one as the bestie with the foresight.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Menda's Dilton is adorable and his way of saying 'Thank You' will soon become a catchphrase among the Gen Zs. The writers slightly twist the narrative for Dilton and it is lovely to see how well Menda and Ahuja execute it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Dollops of nostalgia</strong><br />
<br />
Akhtar creates a nostalgic, sweet world of the 1960s in<em> The Archies. </em>With dollops of rock and roll, she also tucks in message on politics and the environment in the sweet little film that gives a hat tip to several iconic musicians and pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s. PIts all there- Pop's Tates, the ice cream sundaes, Cheryl, Big Moose, and the Lodge Mansion which take you back to the comic book series that most have grown up reading. Akhtar also uses a credible supporting cast to back her narrative. Kamal Siddhu, Alyy Khan, Vinay Pathak, Tara Saluja, and Koel Purie play the parents to the teenagers and bring back dollops of 1990s nostalgia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>The writing</strong><br />
<br />
While the film serves the purpose of being the perfect launch pad for the star kids, it is still one of the dullest Zoya Akhtar films. I have been a fan of the director right since her first film <em>Luck By Chance. </em>Akhtar has always managed to create a world that is flawed but endearing. One that stays with you much after the film is over. She is the maker who has made films like Gully Boy, Dil Dhadakne Do, Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara, and the brilliant series Made In Heaven. She has been accused by her critics for making films about the rich with her previous works and <em>The Archies </em>may just reiterate that fact. The anglicized world created by Akhtar may not connect with one and all. The characters speak anglicized Hindi and croon English songs in the realm of a Hindi film. At 2 hours 30 minutes, the film is also very long and meanders with the actual plot.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>The Archies,</em> ultimately lacks the sharp storytelling that Akhtar's films are known for. Perhaps the film would have been able to achieve a lot more with stronger performers. As a result <em>The Archies </em>only shines because of certain actors, for creating a cute little world where one can sing and dance about how 'Everything is Politics', its beautiful sets, its great camera work, and outstanding music. But does it stay with you afterward? Not quite.</p>


One of the most gifted filmmakers of our times Zoya Akhtar steps out of her comfort zone in her latest The Archies. At the onset, The Archies looks like a teenage romance story - after all, it launches six new faces in the film industry- three of them are star kids and already have their separate fan base.

One of the most gifted filmmakers of our times Zoya Akhtar steps out of her comfort zone in her latest The Archies. At the onset, The Archies looks like a teenage romance story - after all, it launches six new faces in the film industry- three of them are star kids and already have their separate fan base. To be directed by one of the most prolific makers and be backed by one of the biggest OTT giants, Netflix, it does seem like a perfect launch pad for these young actors. The fact that The Archies is an Indian adaptation of the iconic Archie comic series just seems like a cherry on top. But can Akhtar be making a simple teeny bopper without an underlying message on the flawed society? Not quite. Does she succeed in delivering the message? Well, in parts. What is The Archies about? We have all read The Archies comics at some point in our life, haven't we? If not read the comic book, we are surely familiar with Archie, Veronica and Betty. Akhtar along with co-writers Reema Kagti and Ayesha Devitre Dhillon sets the story in the 1960s and brings the American town Riverdale to India and makes it a fictitious town in the hills of north India where mostly anglo-Indians live. Archie (Agastya Nanda), Veronica (Suhana Khan), Betty (Khushi Kapoor) and the gang are 17-year-old school goers who are living a rather cocooned life. Archie wants to study music in London and become the next Cliff Richards- he even has a band The Archies that croons at almost all events in the town. Archie also is a confused lad, in love with two girls, the super rich, suave Veronica and her bestie and Archie's neighbour, simpleton Betty. While the young boy pines for both the girls, Archies' best friend Jughead (Mihir Ahuja) thinks it's a bad idea. Amid love and career choices, Archie and his gang are suddenly made aware of the fact that their cute little Riverdale is going to get transformed all thanks to Mr Lodge, Veronica's dad who is planning to make a massive hotel at the heart of the town where at present Green park is situated. The park holds a lot of sentimental value for the people of the town and so the news is met with resistance from the young adults. But can Archie and the gang save their beloved Green Park? And who does Archie finally choose between Veronica and Betty forms the rest of the story. A musical Akhtar narrates the story of The Archies through music. The film has 16 songs and a lot of the characters' internal conflicts are narrated through songs. For that matter, some of the most important moments of the film are all narrated through some soulful and foot-tapping music. Musicals like these- which form an important part of the narrative- are common in Hollywood. In India, the genre has not been explored to its full potential. There have been a few films in recent years but none have been able to connect with the audience. The Archies, in that sense, take a big risk. Not only does it fall into the bracket of a musical, but it also has a lot of English songs- all based on the retro 1960s beats. Many in India would not be able to connect. Having said that, The Archies has a splendid soundtrack. Composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Ankur Tiwari, The Islanders, and Aditi Saigal (DOT) deliver some soulful ballads and foot-tapping numbers. The songs are also well-choreographed by Ganesh Hegde. The song Va Va Voom particularly makes you want to break into a jig. Do the newcomers deliver? Yes and no. There has been a lot of curiosity around the newcomers in the film. The pressure is especially higher on Shah Rukh Khan's daughter Suhana Khan, Sridevi's daughter Khushi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda owing to their lineage. Among these three, its Suhana Khan who shines the brightest as self-assured and rich Veronica. Khan has a lot of screen presence and exudes confidence in every frame making her debut performance look quite effortless. Agastya Nanda shines in moments but seems uncomfortable in certain scenes- as in being very aware of the responsibility of leading the show. Khushi Kapoor is perhaps the weakest among the trio. She looks splendid in every frame but her performance lacks the spark that the original Betty Cooper has in the comics. Betty was vivacious and kind which Kapoor's character is unable to portray. The other four young actors, on the other hand, shine in their respective roles. Perhaps the lack of a pressure of lineage does the trick for these stars. Dot as Ethel, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, Vedang Raina as Reggie, and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton deliver well to their parts. Ahuja who was previously seen in Made in Heaven 2, in particular, shines as the burger-loving Jughead. His scenes with Agastya are the high points of The Archies. The two boys compliment each other well. One as the confused in love and one as the bestie with the foresight. Menda's Dilton is adorable and his way of saying 'Thank You' will soon become a catchphrase among the Gen Zs. The writers slightly twist the narrative for Dilton and it is lovely to see how well Menda and Ahuja execute it. Dollops of nostalgia Akhtar creates a nostalgic, sweet world of the 1960s in The Archies. With dollops of rock and roll, she also tucks in message on politics and the environment in the sweet little film that gives a hat tip to several iconic musicians and pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s. PIts all there- Pop's Tates, the ice cream sundaes, Cheryl, Big Moose, and the Lodge Mansion which take you back to the comic book series that most have grown up reading. Akhtar also uses a credible supporting cast to back her narrative. Kamal Siddhu, Alyy Khan, Vinay Pathak, Tara Saluja, and Koel Purie play the parents to the teenagers and bring back dollops of 1990s nostalgia. The writing While the film serves the purpose of being the perfect launch pad for the star kids, it is still one of the dullest Zoya Akhtar films. I have been a fan of the director right since her first film Luck By Chance. Akhtar has always managed to create a world that is flawed but endearing. One that stays with you much after the film is over. She is the maker who has made films like Gully Boy, Dil Dhadakne Do, Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara, and the brilliant series Made In Heaven. She has been accused by her critics for making films about the rich with her previous works and The Archies may just reiterate that fact. The anglicized world created by Akhtar may not connect with one and all. The characters speak anglicized Hindi and croon English songs in the realm of a Hindi film. At 2 hours 30 minutes, the film is also very long and meanders with the actual plot. The Archies, ultimately lacks the sharp storytelling that Akhtar's films are known for. Perhaps the film would have been able to achieve a lot more with stronger performers. As a result The Archies only shines because of certain actors, for creating a cute little world where one can sing and dance about how 'Everything is Politics', its beautiful sets, its great camera work, and outstanding music. But does it stay with you afterward? Not quite.

The Archies review: Suhana Khan, Mihir Ahuja shine in Zoya Akhtar’s nostalgic ride

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'Not even one-fourth of the story': Mihir Ahuja on Operation Safed Sagar, -25°C shoots and the Kargil War | Interview

The Archies review: Suhana Khan, Mihir Ahuja shine in Zoya Akhtar’s nostalgic ride