The new documentary mini-series Angry Young Men – The Salim-Javed Story offers a riveting and comprehensive look into the lives and careers of two of Bollywood’s most iconic screenwriters, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, this three-episode series is produced by Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar, bringing together the creative offspring of the legendary writing duo.
Directed by Namrata Rao, known for her adept narrative skills, Angry Young Men skillfully encapsulates the essence of Salim-Javed’s monumental impact on Indian cinema. The series explores their remarkable rise from struggling individuals to pioneers of the “angry young man” archetype that redefined Hindi cinema in the 1970s.
Salim Khan, originally from Indore, and Javed Akhtar, from Bhopal, met in Bombay, each enduring years of hardship before forming their groundbreaking partnership. Their scripts, which include classics such as Zanjeer, Deewaar, and Sholay, not only transformed the film industry but also mirrored the socio-political angst of the time.
The series is a compelling blend of personal anecdotes and industry insights, featuring interviews with the writers themselves, their contemporaries, and notable figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, and many others. The documentary delves into the duo’s dynamic relationship, their unprecedented success, and their eventual split, shedding light on both their professional triumphs and personal struggles.
Angry Young Men effectively highlights the anti-establishment themes that pervaded Salim-Javed’s work. Their scripts challenged the status quo, depicting a new kind of hero who battled systemic corruption and social injustice. This shift in narrative style resonated deeply with audiences and set a new benchmark for screenwriting in India.
While the series celebrates Salim-Javed’s achievements, it does not shy away from examining the complexities of their partnership. The documentary addresses the eventual decline of their collaboration and the factors that led to their separation, including an exploration of the “arrogance” that accompanied their success and the impact of their later works.
Notably, the series also provides a nuanced discussion on the representation of women in Salim-Javed’s films. While some critics argue that their portrayals were limited, others, including Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, highlight the agency and strength of their female characters.
Overall, Angry Young Men is more than just a documentary; it’s a vibrant and insightful chronicle of a transformative era in Bollywood. It offers a valuable perspective on two men who changed the landscape of Indian cinema and their journey from creative brilliance to the end of an era.
Sources By Agencies
