Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. It is a duo that has shaped the golden era of Bollywood, delivering consequential films that have left lasting impacts on Hindi cinema. The director behind the new docu-series “Angry Young Men,” Namrata Rao, delves deep into the lives and careers of this illustrious screenwriting pair.
Rao, renowned for her editing work, steps into the director’s chair for this exhaustive project. “Deewar [1975] would be my favorite film, but I also love Shakti [1982],” she says. “It’s difficult to choose when you have such a vast collection of 22 blockbuster films.”
The narrative chronicles the groundbreaking journey of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, who together scripted some of Bollywood’s most iconic films like “Sholay” (1975), “Don” (1978), and “Trishul” (1978), among others. Namrata Rao spent three rigorous years crafting this documentary for Prime Video, all inspired by a simple yet compelling idea from Zoya Akhtar. “I was editing Lust Stories [2018] with Zoya. She mentioned this idea then, and I was very taken with it. By December 2020, she asked if I wanted to direct it,” recalls Rao.
Rao reflects on the monumental task of distilling the pair’s extensive career into a comprehensible narrative. “We started with a chart of their career’s chronology,” she explains. “Initially, we collected public domain anecdotes about their processes, collaborations, and eventual split. However, the narrative evolved as we conducted interviews. We went beyond surface details to capture their personalities. They are truly cool, badass guys who dreamt big and managed to make it all happen.”
For those who have viewed the documentary, its authenticity is overwhelming. It avoids unnecessary glorification, staying true to its subjects. Rao explains, “They encapsulate wisdom about both success and failure, offering a unique perspective on aging. Their storytelling prowess is unmatched.
. For instance, we captured a poignant moment where Javed saab choked up about his breakfast, but within minutes, he lightened the mood, illustrating his resilience. Similarly, Salim sir’s revelations about his mother give a glimpse into his vulnerabilities.”
Rao discusses the wisdom shared by Salim-Javed during the making of “Sholay” (1975), particularly their approach to portraying sensitive issues. “They strongly believed in introducing revolutionary ideas gradually. For example, the thought of a widow’s remarriage was radical at the time, yet they placed the story in a tragedy to ensure its impact.”
The documentary features more than 80 interviews with Bollywood stalwarts, including Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Salman Khan, and Zoya Akhtar. This culminated in a staggering 800 hours of footage. Despite the depth, some critics argue that “Angry Young Men” doesn’t offer much new to those already well-acquainted with Salim-Javed’s legacy. Rao, however, stays indifferent, stating, “The essence of the story is them. Their candidness revealed a mantra: bolo yaar, aage dekha jaayega. I admired their unwavering confidence.”
One question remains: why weren’t Salim and Javed shown together in the documentary? Rao answers candidly, “That was always the plan. We began during the pandemic when movement was restricted, making it difficult to shoot two elderly individuals together. Eventually, I enjoyed capturing them in their own spaces. The last shoot was particularly special, coinciding with their visit to Shivaji Park for Diwali lighting.”
The docu-series has captivated audiences, leading many to speculate about the possibility of a final collaborative script from the iconic pair. Rao comments, “Everyone at the premiere had that question. As of now, they aren’t acting on it. But, being the ‘angry young men’ they are, they might just return unexpectedly someday.”
“Angry Young Men” offers a compelling watch, not only for Salim-Javed enthusiasts but for anyone with an interest in the artistry and evolution of Hindi cinema. Through Rao’s meticulous direction, the series immortalizes the legacy of two men who dared to dream and succeeded in shaping the very fabric of Bollywood storytelling.
