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It’s remarkable how the films written by Salim-Javed continue to resonate and influence Indian cinema, even decades after their release. Their movies and iconic dialogues have become legendary, with classics like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Don, Deewar, Zanjeer, and Kaala Patthar forever altering the landscape of Hindi cinema. Over the years, countless articles, interviews, and discussions have attempted to capture the duo's iconic status as the greatest screenwriters in the history of Indian cinema. What sets the new three-part Prime Video docuseries Angry Young Men apart is its exploration of their personal stories, blending these with their professional achievements to create a more intimate portrayal.
The Story of Salim-Javed
Angry Young Men offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, as they reflect on their illustrious careers with a mix of pride and nostalgia. The series also features their children—Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar—sharing insights about the men behind the legendary screenwriters, revealing their roles as husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers. The series touches on sensitive topics, handling them with care and respect.
The docuseries opens with an impressive lineup of Bollywood stars, including Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, and Karan Johar, all passionately discussing the impact of Salim-Javed. It then delves into the duo's journey, showing how two outsiders, with no initial intentions of becoming screenwriters, found their way into the film industry. Their personal struggles, hardships in Mumbai, and the fears and hopes they harbored, all culminated in the creation of what would become the iconic “Angry Young Man” persona on screen.
The Personal and the Professional Intertwined
The emergence of the Bollywood hero as the "angry young man," epitomized by Amitabh Bachchan’s character in Zanjeer, is powerfully conveyed in the series. Actress Shabana Azmi offers a sharp analysis of how Salim-Javed were able to subconsciously tap into the frustrations, impatience, and rebellion of the middle-class populace. The vigilante hero in their films resonated deeply with the common man, who was fed up with a corrupt system, providing a cinematic outlet for their collective angst.
The most poignant and impactful moments in Angry Young Men occur when Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar reflect on their childhoods and family lives. Director Namrata Rao treats these passages with remarkable sensitivity, allowing the men to open up about their relationships with their parents. The placement of these scenes is also noteworthy, serving as a connective thread that ties together the towering achievements of their careers. The docuseries culminates in the pivotal year of 1975, when both Deewar and Sholay were released—films that would go on to redefine Hindi cinema. For fans, the series' eloquent connection of this celebrated chapter will be a treat, punctuated by the iconic line, “Kitne aadmi the?”
Final Thoughts
Despite its many strengths, Angry Young Men does feel somewhat restrained when addressing the broader impact of Salim-Javed on the recognition of screenwriters in the Indian film industry. While modern screenwriters like Varun Grover, Jaideep Sahni, and Juhi Chaturvedi offer insights into how the industry treats writers today, the series raises the lingering question: where are the next superstar screenwriters post-Salim-Javed? Why is it still so challenging for the industry to acknowledge the vital role of writers?
Curiously, the docuseries also treats the infamous split between Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar as an afterthought. The series could have delved deeper into their solo careers post-breakup, exploring how their individual works might still carry traces of each other's influence. This potential recalibration, however, is largely absent.
In the end, Angry Young Men stands as a fascinating and heartfelt tribute to the indelible mark Salim-Javed left on Indian cinema. The docuseries is a gift for devoted fans, updating their legacy with honesty and empathy, while also showcasing the charismatic personalities of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Behind the constructed anger of their cinematic heroes, the series reveals the real charisma and determination that continue to resonate in the legacy of Salim-Javed.
Angry Young Men is now streaming on Prime Video India.
Also read: Angry Young Men trailer: Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan narrate Salim-Javed's legacy
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