How Netflix’s The Archies & Farrey are rejuvenating Bollywood's young adult genre

There was a time when TV shows did a lot of young adult genre shows. Shows like Mismatched and Hip Hip Hurray, Mismatched showed teenage issues and became hugely popular too. The young adult genre has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity worldwide, owing in large part to the phenomenal success of acclaimed series like Sex Education, Never Have I Ever and Stranger Things. These shows not only provide riveting entertainment but also manage to encapsulate the raw essence of the tumultuous teenage experience, marking them as celebrated gems within the genre.

Sex Education, a British production, ingeniously intertwines humor and drama to delve into the convoluted world of teenage sexuality. It strikes a chord with audiences globally by exploring universal themes of self-discovery, relationships, and identity. The show’s well-drawn characters and contemporary themes have propelled it to global stardom.

Never Have I Ever, masterminded by Mindy Kaling, orbits around the life of an Indian-American teenager grappling with the hurdles of high school, cultural identity, and family dynamics. It presents a refreshing take on adolescent trials, reflecting the diverse spectrum of teenage experiences and thus appealing to a wide-ranging audience.

Meanwhile, Stranger Things, steeped in 1980s nostalgia, has ensnared viewers with its supernatural mysteries and a close-knit group of young friends pitted against otherworldly entities. It seamlessly weaves nostalgia with an exhilarating plotline, drawing in both adults who fondly recall that era and younger audiences.

These shows champion the young adult genre by providing an unvarnished look at the challenges of growing up, while simultaneously embracing diverse backgrounds and unique storytelling. Their meteoric global success underscores the timeless themes that resonate across generations, firmly establishing the genre’s undeniable dominance in the worldwide entertainment landscape.

Bollywood’s young adult genre

In India, the genre is yet to meet with the same sort of success save examples like the Student of the Year franchise or more recently Class on Netflix. As an industry, we are in a landscape brimming with diverse narratives, the young adult genre is making a triumphant return to mainstream Bollywood through two eagerly anticipated films – Farrey and The Archies. These movies, while distinct in their storytelling approaches, converge in their ability to capture the essence of contemporary youth, complete with its dreams, challenges, and aspirations.

Directed by Soumendra Padhi, Farrey introduces us to Niyati (Alizeh), an orphaned prodigy, who embarks on a compelling journey within the intricate realm of elite school life. On the other hand, The Archies, helmed by the talented Zoya Akhtar, transports viewers back to 1960s India, where the endearing Archie and his friends grapple with romance, friendship, and the imperative preservation of their beloved park.

Netflix’s The Archies seems like a cinematic gem guided by Zoya Akhtar’s artistic vision, offering a heartwarming journey to 1960s India. Inspired by the iconic American comic book series, it rekindles the magic of the young adult genre, inviting audiences to relive the adventures of Archie and his gang as they navigate romance, camaraderie, and the imminent threat to their cherished park. This film encapsulates the very spirit of youth, celebrating universal themes of love and companionship.

Boasting an ensemble cast that includes talents like Mihir Ahuja, Aditi Saigal, Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Yuvraj Menda, Agastya Nanda, and Vedang Raina, The Archies seamlessly transports viewers to a bygone era. With its Netflix release, the film unfurls its charm across the globe, ensuring that the young adult genre is accessible to an international audience, transcending boundaries and resonating with youths everywhere.

Farrey emerges as a gripping young adult drama, peeling back the layers of contemporary youth challenges, especially for those emerging from underprivileged backgrounds. This narrative orbits around Niyati (Alizeh), a brilliant orphan who secures a scholarship to a prestigious school. The film dives headfirst into the shady world of cheating rackets, a theme that resonates with countless young adults grappling with academic pressures. Through its compelling storyline, Farrey thrusts privilege, friendship, and ethical quandaries into the limelight, compelling viewers to introspect.

Director Soumendra Padhi masterfully dissects the complexities of young adult life, deftly portraying the moral crossroads faced by its characters. Niyati’s transformation from a scholarship recipient to an unwitting participant in a cheating ring mirrors the very real struggles endured by many youths as they chase success while endeavoring to retain their integrity.

Farrey and The Archies are propelling the young adult genre back to the forefront of mainstream Bollywood. Farrey delves into the intricacies of contemporary youth struggles, while The Archies offers a nostalgic voyage to the past, weaving timeless themes of friendship, romance, and preservation. Both films illuminate the experiences and aspirations of young adults. These films effectively herald the resurgence of young adult narratives in a spellbinding and impactful manner.