Proud parents Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan have heaped praise on their daughter Suhana’s debut film The Archies, helmed by Zoya Akhtar, following its trailer launch on Thursday.
“A contemporary subject with timeless characters #TheArchies… thrown into a world that is very fable-like,” wrote Shah Rukh on social media, sending his best wishes to the cast and crew.
The Jawan star also praised Zoya’s dedication and style of direction. “Zoya has created such an innocent and pristine quality to the film…maybe just like our world could be with a more responsible outlook towards the environment.”
Gauri, too, couldn’t contain her excitement about the new film. “Such a beautiful world… fun characters with a very touching tale to tell. Thank u Zoya… and all the best to #TheArchies family,” she wrote on Instagram after sharing the trailer.
Filmmaker Karan Johar, a family friend of the Khan family, also shared the trailer on social media with an insight into Zoya’s early days as a director. “Zoya and I grew up together…she was the wiser one, the smarter one and still is! She waited 7 years to start her first film (so much for nepotism and privilege), she had more actors turn her down than most tables at high end restaurants,” the Koffee with Karan host wrote on Instagram.
Recalling Zoya’s early struggles to gain a foothold in the industry, Karan shared how the director always stood firm to make films with “passion and perseverance”. “She listened to her inner voice and not anyone else and made a super hit award winning film,” Karan wrote in a heartfelt note about the making of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) with Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar.
“Everyone has a journey! She has had her one! After the monumental success of Gully Boy the world was at her feet but her weapon of belief took her back to her childhood memories of her favourite comic book!” he further wrote in his note.
Karan also praised the director for staying true to herself and making The Archies. “She could have made a film with an ensemble of superstars but she made what she believed in! Zo!” he added before ending the note by welcoming the young cast of the upcoming Netflix film to the Bollywood industry.
“The 7 kids are blessed to work under your priceless guidance! So excited for you Zoya and the exciting ensemble of talent ! Welcome to the movies!!!!💜💜💜💜” he concluded the note.
The Archies is an adaptation of the popular US comics series of the same name. The film marks a number of acting debuts including those of Shah Rukh’s daughter Suhana and Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda.
The Archies will premiere on Netflix on December 7.
