The Archies 2023

Mr. Hiram Lodge (Alyy Khan), a fervent capitalist, makes his return to Riverdale with grand ambitions to transform the town into a commercial hub filled with new plazas and hotels. His singular focus is profit, disregarding the wishes of the local residents. During a clandestine meeting with Mr. Dawson (Vinay Pathak), a council member, Hiram unveils his plans that could potentially devastate the community’s historical fabric.

In a bold move, Hermione Lodge ([Kamal Sidhu]) proposes that the hotel should not be built on the town’s outskirts but right in the center, specifically where the cherished Green Park stands. This park, a symbol of Riverdale’s heritage since its establishment in 1914, is a sanctuary where generations of children have planted trees, embodying the town’s Anglo-Indian roots. Mr. Dawson, aware of the emotional stakes, realizes the uphill battle he faces in convincing the locals to support this destruction, despite Hiram’s offer to finance his campaign for District Contractor.

As the local community remains blissfully unaware of Mr. Lodge’s ulterior motives, he eyes the businesses of beloved establishments such as Pam’s salon, Suzie’s flower shop, and Hal’s bookshop to pave the way for his plaza. This forces the owners to inform their tenants to either vacate or match the hefty rents that Lodge is willing to pay.

Veronica Lodge, Hiram’s daughter, hosts a gathering at her home, attended by her close friend Betty (Khushi Kapoor) and a host of other characters, including Jughead (Mihir Ahuja) and Archie (Agastya Nanda). Tensions rise as Reggie ([Vedang Raina]) treats his friend Dilton ([Yuvraj Menda]) poorly, and the dynamics between Archie, Betty, and Veronica become increasingly complicated, particularly as Archie juggles feelings for both girls.

As the looming threat of Green Park’s destruction grows, Archie decides against pursuing his dream to study abroad, realizing that he cannot abandon his friends or his beloved town. Inspired, he rallies Betty, Veronica, and their friends to combat Hiram’s plans. They embark on a grassroots campaign to gather signatures, hoping to thwart the construction of the hotel.

Despite facing setbacks, including the betrayal of a council insider, they remain undeterred. Their collective efforts culminate in a community vote where residents ultimately oppose Hiram’s proposal, forcing him to halt the development.

In a poignant twist, Hiram comes to respect his daughter’s courage to stand up for her beliefs. The narrative concludes with Archie and his friends realizing that their fight was not just about saving a park, but rather about the values of friendship, community, and not allowing money to dictate their lives. They emerge with newfound wisdom, united by their victory against the establishment.