The legendary writer-duo, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, more popularly known as Salim-Javed, revolutionized Indian cinema in the 1970s by reinventing the Bollywood formula. Their groundbreaking contribution to the industry is now encapsulated in a three-part docuseries, “Angry Young Men,” currently streaming on Prime Video. If you have an enduring love for ’70s and ’80s Hindi cinema, or if you simply want to immerse yourself in the history of Bollywood, “Angry Young Men” is an absolute must-watch. Here, we give you nine compelling reasons why you shouldn’t miss this riveting docuseries.
**1. Meet the First Writer Superstars of Hindi Cinema**
Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar were trailblazers who dared to ask for one lakh rupees more than the biggest star of their time. Imagine wanting one crore rupees more than Salman Khan in today’s terms! It was an audacious move that set them apart in an industry dominated by actors. Karan Johar aptly highlights their unique stature, comparing their demand to asking for more than a leading actor like Salman Khan in contemporary cinema.
**2. Discover the Origin of the “Angry Young Man”**
The term “Angry Young Man” is synonymous with the socio-political climate of 1970s India, a period marked by palpable anger against the system. While discontent has been a recurring theme throughout human history, Salim-Javed channeled this collective frustration into something magical on screen. The docuseries delves into how they encapsulated the spirit of that era, making “anger” an iconic cinematic expression.
**3. Uncover the Making of Amitabh Bachchan as an Icon**
Amitabh Bachchan, one of the greatest icons of Indian cinema, owes much of his on-screen persona to Salim-Javed. Whether it’s his electrifying presence in “Sholay,” the simmering intensity in “Deewar,” or the charismatic bravado in “Don,” Bachchan’s roles were meticulously crafted by this dynamic duo. Watching clips from these iconic movies will give you goosebumps and reaffirm why Amitabh Bachchan commands respect across generations.
**4. Appreciate the Power of Imagination in Filmmaking**
While the success of a film is often attributed to its director, “Angry Young Men” reveals how Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar handed visionary ideas on a platter to directors. Take, for instance, the chilling scene in “Sholay” where Gabbar Singh cuts off Thakur’s hands. Salim Khan’s vivid description of this scene shows that it wasn’t just director Ramesh Sippy’s genius that left audiences in awe; it was the writers’ powerful imagination at work.
**5. Experience the Art of Iconic Movie Dialogues**
Javed Akhtar is responsible for some of the most memorable lines in Indian cinema. Dialogue gems like “Main aaj bhi fenke hue sikke nahi uthata” from “Deewar,” “Yeh haath mujhe de de Thakur” from “Sholay,” and “Aaj mere paas sab kuch hai…bangla, gaadi, naukar chaakar” echo in the ears of film buffs. The docuseries even highlights how lines from lesser-known films like “Haath ki Safaai” have entered everyday vernacular. You’ll be intrigued to learn how audio tracks of movie dialogues, like those from “Sholay,” played a significant role in the film’s success.
**6.
. Witness the Genius Behind Effortless Masterpieces**
Ever wondered how masterpieces are crafted with seemingly minimal effort? “Deewar,” regarded as the perfect screenplay, was written in just 18 days. Javed Akhtar nonchalantly reveals this astonishing fact, akin to watching a cricket prodigy like Rohit Sharma effortlessly hit a boundary. The ease with which these scripts were developed contrasts starkly with the monumental impact they had on cinema.
**7. Understand the Role of Struggle in Success**
The docuseries also touches on Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar’s early struggles, showing how their life experiences and pent-up emotions found a voice in their heroes. The mother figures in “Deewar” and “Trishul” are poignant reflections of their personal lives. Salim Khan’s emotional recollection of a painful childhood memory will strike a chord, demonstrating how struggle often underpins monumental success.
**8. Learn the Downside of Excessive Success**
“Angry Young Men” also explores how overwhelming success can turn tides. With 24 films to their credit, 22 of which were hits, Salim-Javed were on an unprecedented high. However, their meteoric success led to setbacks, as described by Salman Khan, when producers stopped calling, mistaking their confidence for arrogance. This segment serves as a sobering reminder of the volatile nature of fame.
**9. Discover Why They Parted Ways**
The docuseries poignantly addresses the eventual split between Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Though no definitive reason is provided, it gives viewers enough context to form their own conclusions. The scenes showing the duo posing together for concluding shots, decades after their split, reflect a warm yet hesitant camaraderie. It’s a tragically beautiful end to an era in Bollywood scripting.
For the cherry on top, don’t miss the title animation of the docuseries. There’s a fleeting yet memorable shot of the late Amjad Khan swaggering at the “Sholay” premiere that you wouldn’t want to miss. “Angry Young Men” is undeniably worth your time, offering not just entertainment but an enriching cinephile experience.
In summary, “Angry Young Men” is not just a docuseries; it’s a comprehensive exploration of Bollywood’s golden era led by the formidable Salim-Javed. Watching it will make you appreciate their unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and give you a newfound respect for the art of storytelling. For lovers of classic Hindi cinema and curious minds alike, it’s an unmissable gem. Watch it. Because it is worth your time.
