Prime Video unveils ‘Angry Young Men’: A deep dive into Bollywood’s iconic screenwriting duo
A new documentary series on Prime Video
Prime Video is set to premiere “Angry Young Men”, a compelling three-part documentary series that delves into the lives and careers of the legendary screenwriting duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, collectively known as Salim-Javed. This series promises to be a treasure trove for cinema enthusiasts, offering an in-depth look at how these two writers revolutionized Indian cinema in the 1970s.
The creative minds behind the series
Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, the docu-series is executive produced by Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. The series is directed by Namrata Rao, making her directorial debut after her acclaimed work as an editor on projects like “Kahaani” and “Made in Heaven”.
The rise of the ‘angry young man’
Salim-Javed’s influence on Bollywood is monumental. They introduced the ‘angry young man’ archetype in a romance-dominated industry, popularizing the action-drama genre. Amitabh Bachchan, the original ‘angry young man’, catapulted to superstardom with “Zanjeer” (1973), a film penned by Salim-Javed. This film marked a turning point in Bachchan’s career, setting the stage for his future successes.
A personal journey for Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar, daughter of Javed Akhtar, took on the task of chronicling the story of Salim-Javed. “I grew up with them and watching these films,” she shares. For her, this project was not just a professional endeavor but a personal journey to bring the untold story of these iconic writers to a new generation.
Exploring the partnership
The series explores the partnership of Salim-Javed, who wrote 24 films together, 22 of which were blockbusters, before their split in 1982. It features rare archival footage and offers a nostalgic glimpse into their personal relationships, camaraderie, and creative brilliance. Iconic films like “Deewar”, “Don”, “Sholay”, “Trishul”, and “Dostana” are spotlighted, showcasing the duo’s unparalleled impact on Indian cinema.
Reflections from industry stalwarts
The documentary features heartfelt reflections from industry figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan, Yash, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. These testimonials highlight the significant impact Salim-Javed had on their careers. Family members, including Salman Khan, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Arbaaz Khan, Honey Irani, Helen, and Shabana Azmi, also offer their perspectives.
A fresh directorial approach
Namrata Rao’s perspective as a filmmaker outside the Salim-Javed families brought a fresh approach to the documentary. “I went all out. I mean, I asked them a lot of uncomfortable questions, and surprisingly, they were very cool about it,” Rao reveals. This openness allowed the documentary to tackle some challenging aspects of the Salim-Javed story, providing a nuanced and comprehensive narrative.
Challenges during production
The production faced several challenges, including shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were shooting with a lot of old people,” says Rao. “We were shooting in masks, with distancing. Some people, we had to shoot from really far away.” Another significant hurdle was the lack of a proper archiving culture in the Indian film industry. “The procurements, we have more than 500 assets from different producers from all over. Putting them together took us almost a year,” Rao explains.
A rewarding journey
Despite these obstacles, both Akhtar and Rao found the process rewarding. For Rao, there was a sense of providence throughout the production. “At every step, we would reach a dead end, but something would open up,” she says. Akhtar’s highlight was the series’ trailer launch, which brought together the families of both Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. “Finding for them a closure to their professional life together, I think that was the highlight for me,” she says.
The enduring legacy of Salim-Javed
“Angry Young Men” not only chronicles the rise of two legendary screenwriters who captured the zeitgeist of the 1970s but also sheds light on the state of screenwriting in Bollywood today. As Akhtar observes, “Right now, things are really fragmented, and the writers are writing in silos. There are very few that are actually coming across speaking for an entire generation.”
Streaming details
The series streams from Aug. 20. For those eager to dive into the world of Salim-Javed, this documentary promises to be an enlightening and inspiring journey. Watch the trailer and get ready to explore the legacy of Bollywood’s most iconic screenwriting duo.