Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar is set to explore the influential legacy of the renowned screenwriting duo Salim-Javed in her upcoming crime-mafia film. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, known for their profound impact on Hindi cinema, collaborated on 24 films, with 22 of them becoming blockbusters. Their work revolutionized Bollywood’s narrative style, introducing complex characters and morally ambiguous storylines in classics such as Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer.
In a recent interview with the Indian Express, Akhtar discussed how morning walks with Salim Khan inspired her docuseries Angry Young Men. She emphasized that their writing was never vulgar and that even the heroes in their stories had shades of ambiguity. This reflects the essence of their storytelling, where characters exist in a nuanced gray area rather than being strictly good or evil.
Salim-Javed’s partnership is credited with reshaping Indian cinema by creating strong narratives and multi-dimensional characters that resonated with audiences. Akhtar’s new film aims to explore the themes and styles that made their work impactful. She admires their ability to craft characters that mirror real-life complexities, often portrayed in shades of gray rather than in black and white.
One notable aspect of Salim-Javed’s writing is their portrayal of women. Despite male-centric narratives, Akhtar points out that the duo consistently depicted women with agency and identity. She noted that, even in male-led stories, none of the women were mere props; they all had jobs and roles of their own.
Zoya Akhtar also mentioned how her brother Farhan Akhtar once highlighted the dignified portrayal of Parveen Babi’s character in Deewaar. Her role as a night worker was treated with respect, showcasing the depth and humanity that Salim-Javed infused into their characters.
Akhtar acknowledges the influence Salim-Javed has had on her filmmaking, particularly in terms of ensemble casts and character development. She noted that their refusal to resort to cheap tricks or vulgarity has significantly influenced her work.
Anticipation surrounds Akhtar’s upcoming crime-mafia film, which is expected to draw inspiration from the rich narrative tradition established by Salim-Javed. Known for her critically acclaimed films such as Gully Boy and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Akhtar is currently in the scripting phase of this project. She expressed enthusiasm for working within a genre that Salim-Javed excelled in and hopes the script will yield significant results.
The docuseries Angry Young Men, based on the lives of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar and directed by Namrata Rao, will premiere on OTT platforms starting August 20, 2024.
