Zoya Akhtar & Reema Kagti Exclusive Interview with Anupama Chopra | The Archies | Film Companion

Ahead of the release of The Archies, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti speak with Anupama Chopra about the making of a unique adaptation of the Archie comics set in India, why they used a fictional Anglo-Indian community, and how the Archies is a visual comic book. They also discuss the decision-making process behind casting Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Dot, and Yuvraj Menda, working with a new team of writers, and the challenges and excitement of working with a cast of newcomers.

#zoyaakhtar #archies #filmcompanion

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0:00 - Zoya Akhtar & Reema Kagti on The Archies
0:26 - Into the world of The Archies
1:10 - Why Zoya & Reema chose to adapt The Archies for India
2:45 - “The Archies is a story come to life”
5:11 - The change in the writing dynamics
7:11 - The Archies in Hinglish
9:20 - Did nepotism play a role in casting?
11:49 - Workshopping with the “new kids” on the block
15:47 - “We want to make films for the world!”

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The Film Companion is a web channel intended to promote Indian cinema through films review, interviews, discussions, video essays, and analytical compilations. It is intended primarily for the purpose of encouraging informed discussions, criticism, and review of cinema and towards such purpose, the programs use short extracts of cinematograph films, sound recording, and photographic works. These clips and extracts are of a minimal nature and the use is not intended to interfere in any manner with their commercial exploitation of the complete work by the owners of the copyright. The use of works is in compliance with the fair dealing exception provided under Sec. 52 of the Copyright Act, and we assert our use of the works under the exception provided for criticism and review.

[SonamSingh_]

Zoya takes up all the questions thinking its her personal interview.
Reema waits patiently for Zoya to finish…… minding the basic manners.
The moment Reema starts; Zoya jumps in and takes over conversation.
If reema adds in then zoya always wants to have last word.
She is not a ‘Prop’! Come On!
Let’s appreciate her patience 💕

Can we have a solo chat, interview with her

[just_a_sweetpotato]

Reema Kagti was called only to sip coffee.

[sharmisthaN]

I want to watch a Solo interview with Reema Kagti.

[shreykumar]

A very disappointing interview, I don't think I was convinced with their answers and I do not know why invite Reema if you are not going to ask her any questions.

[cinema]

Reema Kagti is willing to give credits where it is due. Zoya Akhtar doesn't seem to be keen on giving others credit. !! I am glad that Ms Anupama Chopra asked loaded questions.

[karthikk]

What’s the point of inviting Reema Kagti when you don’t bother to talk to her ?

[kavyaprahlad]

Check the controversy that happened on the made in heaven stories.. Since Reema told the truth that someone else wrote the story, zoya got extremely defensive and just didn't let her speak after that

[sreemoyeemitra]

I am sure that if it would have been a man in zoya akhtar's place we would used the term mansplaining. At times it is just professional and polite to let the other person talk.
I, personally, would have loved to hear her (reema kagti's) take on the questions.

[shwe]

True! It’s a story book come to life, only without the story.

[addylivewire]

Poor reema! She hardly was asked anything ! Just kept sipping her drink throughout 😂😂😂

[induscreed]

First time i am disappointed by Zoya's response, its fine to cast who you want, and they might be talented as well, but stating they were best of general auditions....really she expects to believe that!

[shwe]

LOL…. She could have casted anybody and still went for the star kids, gave them main character and then blaming the media for not noticing the other. By the way ppl did notice Vedang!

[Arya-cskj]

I don't care who u guys cast but don't give me this "oh but these're the BEST actors we could find for playing these roles BS!" Just stop pushing them under our throats. Respect ur audience nd don't take them for granted.

[atavag]

Zoya we agree on this project your production or your baby, but please allow Reema Kagti to speak. There is something called freedom of speech, which is not seen here.

Zoya you came across as very dominating here, I hope that is not the case in general.

Lots of love to Reema Kagti for being calm and polite.

[DebVids]

Do not lie plz, why in other interview you mentioned Archie was last person to cast? Because Ibrahim Ali Khan opted out? Why main 3 characters in the comic have star kids others are outsiders? Why vavavroom song only has these 3? When it releases we all will know the Intension

[yashjajodia]

Don't act like that you are feeling sorry for other 4 actors, you specifically casted 3 star kids so that there is a hype around the film.I understand that films are a business and star kids are good for business so own it .Problem is not casting the star kids but not owning and accepting it that its a business decision and not a creative one.

[TrueStory]

Request for a Solo interview of Reema mam @filmcompanion

[PrabeerGhosh]

Reema should have spoken more. Zoya should stop giving "non-answers" and cutting Reema everytime a word comes out of her mouth. The vibe wasn't really great!!!!

[devilzshack]

Our Indian population doesn't seems to grasp simple economics. Moviemaking is a business and the "star kids" are good for business. Look at the hype media has created around the 3 star kids which is going to lead to more eyeballs for Netflix. It's pretty simple, YOU have asked the film makers to put the star kids on those posters. Also, if you don't like them, they are going to cast aside pretty soon. For every Ananya or Alia or Varun, there is a Fardeen and Sohail and Zayed in the business as well.

[sabyasachisarangi]

I wanted to hear Reema, please let her talk!