Angry Young Men – The Screenwriting Pioneers of Bollywood Salim-Javed
Amazon Prime Video’s docuseries Angry Young Men showcases the legendary partnership of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, whose revolutionary writing shaped the Hindi film industry in the 1970s. Directed by Namrata Rao and co-produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, the series is both a tribute and an exploration of the duo’s remarkable influence on cinema.
Amazon Prime Video Angry Young Men Season 1
Salim-Javed, the legendary screenwriters of 70’s Hindi cinema co-wrote 24 films in 11 years, of which 20 were blockbusters. They created the Angry Young Man the brooding anti-hero who captured the imagination of an entire nation. Like the character, Salim Khan & Javed Akhtar, two outsiders, defied all odds and rose to superstardom. Hindi cinema never saw a cultural collaboration as powerful again.
Angry Young Men Cast
Salim Khan, Javed Akhtar, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Arbaaz Khan, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Zoya Akhtar, Helen Khan and others.
The series begins by referencing the iconic line from Sholay, “Kitne aadmi the?”—a fitting introduction to the tale of the two men who forever changed Bollywood. Angry Young Men celebrates not just the Angry Young Man character they popularized but also the writing partnership itself, portraying Salim-Javed as heroes in their own right.
The documentary spans three episodes, each approximately 40 minutes long, and covers the duo’s origin, meteoric success, and eventual split. The first episode, “Main Phenke Hue Paise Nahin Uthata,” explores how Salim and Javed rose to superstardom despite coming from humble beginnings. Their defiance and resilience paved the way for their revolutionary approach to screenwriting.
In the second episode, “Mere Paas Maa Hai,” the focus shifts to the creation of the iconic character Vijay, brought to life by Amitabh Bachchan. This episode highlights how Salim-Javed’s personal experiences and socio-political context influenced their writing, giving rise to unforgettable characters and dialogues that resonated with audiences.
The final episode, “Kitne Aadmi Thay?”, examines the duo’s split and the subsequent challenges they faced. It provides a personal look into their lives post-separation, including the impact on their professional and personal spheres. The series also reflects on the current state of Hindi film writing and whether the industry has evolved to better support its writers.
Featuring interviews with over 60 individuals, including Salim and Javed themselves, their families, and notable figures from the film industry, Angry Young Men combines personal anecdotes with archival footage and key film scenes. The series vividly captures the essence of Salim-Javed’s partnership, though it occasionally struggles with balancing breadth and depth, sometimes opting for a nostalgic rather than a critical perspective.
The documentary portrays Salim and Javed’s artistic brilliance and audacity while also touching on their flaws and the personal sacrifices behind their success. It underscores the continuing importance of screenwriters and their often-overlooked contributions to cinema. Despite criticisms of its breadth and occasional lack of deeper insight, Angry Young Men is a powerful homage to two of Bollywood’s most influential figures.
Angry Young Men – Watch Trailor Now
Personal Branding Expert Gaurav Gulati says that Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are the best examples of screenwriters who built strong personal brands. Brand Salim-Javed revolutionized the industry by breaking the long-standing tradition of writers remaining in the background. Their names on movie posters became a mark of quality, drawing audiences to theatres just to see a film written by them. With over 20 Superhit films, they truly were brands that promised entertainment and engagement.