It is unbelievable how much impact Salim-Javed’s films continue to leave even so many decades after their release. Their films and famous dialogues are the story of the film world. From Sholay to Seeta Aur Geeta, Don to Deewar, Zanjeer to Kaala Patthar, their films changed the course of Indian cinema forever. There have been countless articles, interviews, research and discussions aimed at shedding light on their iconic status as Hindi cinema’s greatest screenwriters. What Prime Video’s new three-part docuseries Angry Young Men has done brilliantly is that it has incorporated their personal stories as well. (Also read: Zoya Akhtar reveals how a morning walk with Salim Khan led to the docuseries Angry Young Men)
The story of Salim-Javed
Not only do we see Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar taking a sarcastic look at their work, but we also see their children facing the camera. Actors Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan, filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar talk about the people who lived behind this iconic screenwriter. The man who was also a husband, a son and a brother. It touches thorny ground with restraint.
The documentary series starts with a bang, with several Bollywood stars from Aamir Khan to Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan to Karan Johar talking enthusiastically about the influence of Salim-Javed. It gradually sheds light on how these two outsiders made their way into the film industry, without any plans of becoming screenwriters. Their personal struggles, the difficulties they faced on coming to Mumbai, their fears and hopes, all converge and burst out on the page that gave birth to the phenomenon of the Angry Young Man.
Incorporating the personal into the professional
The emergence of the Bollywood hero as the Angry Young Man in Zanjeer starring Amitabh Bachchan is vividly depicted here. Shabana Azmi, in particular, is a sharp reminder of how Salim-Javed were able to subconsciously tap into the impatience, rebellion and simple anxieties of the middle class population; where the image of the vigilante hero in these films unconsciously appealed to the angry common man who was frustrated with the corrupt system.
The most resonant and impactful portions in Angry Young Men come when both screenwriters talk about their childhoods and families. Director Namrata Rao has treated these passages with amazing sensitivity and respect, as both men open up about their relationship with their parents. The setting of these scenes is also spectacular, like a river that acts as an anchor between two mountains. The view from those heights came in the same year, when Deewar and Sholay released in 1975. Both these films changed and rewrote the direction of Hindi cinema forever, and fans will be delighted to see how this docuseries connects this iconic chapter.how many people are there?’ Just do it!
final thoughts
As interesting as these stories are, Angry Young Men seems a little too restrained when it discusses how Salim-Javed paved the way for greater recognition for writers. Screenwriters like Varun Grover, Jaideep Sahni and Juhi Chaturvedi provide some perspective on how the industry treats its writers, but the reality of where the next screenwriters after Salim-Javed are who are considered superstars is daunting. So how far does Salim-Javed’s influence reach? Why is it so difficult for the industry to recognise the importance of the writer?
Interestingly, the mystery behind the split in the Salim-Javed partnership is also an afterthought. The real untold story of this docuseries could have been how these two screenwriters shaped their careers after working alone and perhaps how there were remnants of each other’s influence in their individual work – but that reconnection is missing.
Angry Young Men is a fascinating and heartwarming reminder of the mark both these men left on the canvas of Indian cinema, and should definitely feel like a gift to true Salim-Javed fans. This docuseries updates their legacy with clarity and compassion, even bringing out the impeccable sense of humour that Salim Khan still possesses. Behind all the anger of the male heroes they created, there is real charisma and willpower that resonates in Salim-Javed’s observation.
Angry Young Men is now streaming on Prime Video India.
