The golden era of the 1970s in Hindi cinema would be incomplete without mentioning the legendary screenwriting duo, Salim-Javed. Their work, which includes iconic films like Sholay, Don, and Zanjeer, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Fans of the duo have a reason to rejoice as the much-anticipated docuseries Angry Young Men, which chronicles their meteoric rise and extraordinary contributions, is set to premiere on Prime Video on August 20, 2024.
On Tuesday, the makers of Angry Young Men unveiled the trailer, offering a glimpse into the lives and legacy of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. The trailer features several prominent Bollywood figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, and Jaya Bachchan, all of whom share their thoughts and admiration for the iconic writer duo.
The trailer opens with Salman Khan admitting, “This is the first one where I’m actually nervous,” setting the tone for the emotional journey that follows. Farhan Akhtar, son of Javed Akhtar, adds a personal touch, saying, “I mean, the only reason I knew my dad wrote those films is because he was my dad.”
Karan Johar emphasizes the unmatched power of Salim-Javed during their heyday, noting, “Can you imagine if a writer today said, ‘I want a crore more than Salman Khan’? That was the power of Salim-Javed.” The influence of the duo was such that they commanded higher fees than the reigning stars of the era.
The trailer concludes with a poignant remark from Amitabh Bachchan, who owes much of his stardom to the “angry young man” persona created by Salim-Javed. Reflecting on their partnership, he says, “Them being together was altogether a different story.”
The title Angry Young Men is a nod to the archetype that Salim-Javed popularized in the 1970s, particularly through Amitabh Bachchan’s roles. The docuseries delves into how the duo not only shaped Big B’s career but also redefined Indian cinema.
Speaking about the project, Salim Khan shared his thoughts on their journey: “I started my career in front of the camera but realized that my true strength lay in telling stories. I then met Javed, who was equally passionate about writing, and together we did some fantastic work. It feels wonderful that our journey is being documented for future generations.”
Directed by Namrata Rao, Angry Young Men is set to be an insightful tribute to the unparalleled legacy of Salim-Javed, celebrating their contribution to Indian cinema. The docuseries will be available exclusively on Prime Video in India, starting August 20, 2024.
