Mumbai: The premiere of the documentary series Angry Young Men, which follows the life of renowned writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, also known as Salim-Javed, will be held on August 20. The series will demonstrate how, in the 1970s, the two redefined Hindi film.
Actor Salman Khan, son of Salim Khan, in a statement, said: “Two sensible, intelligent, and dignified individuals, best at their craft with mutual admiration for each other’s work ethics and compassion—the ‘Angry Young Men’ of Indian cinema. Growing up, seeing my father and Javed Sahab work together on films was nothing short of magical. Their love for cinema redefined heroism for an entire generation, leaving behind a legacy of cult classics.”
Expressing a desire to see them collaborate in the future, Salman said, “Whether it’s time, destiny, or professional choices that bring them together, their partnership always brings out the best. Angry Young Men is a tribute to their creative brilliance and the profound impact they’ve had on Indian cinema.”
The three-episode original docu-series, which marks Namrata Rao’s directorial debut, is the story of Salim-Javed, who worked on some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters in the 1970s, such as “Sholay,” “Zanjeer,” “Deewaar,” “Yaadon Ki Baaraat,” and “Don,” to name a few.
With anecdotal treasures from some of the most illustrious names in Indian cinema, the docu-series is a personal and candid narrative of the writer-duo’s lives, writing, and legacy, presented by the duo themselves.
Salman shared that the docu-series, which will stream on Prime Video, is an insightful journey into the hearts and minds of two superstar writers who forever changed the storytelling landscape.
“This series is close to both families. I hope this marks a new chapter for our dads, the angry young men, who are now older. May they have the best time of their lives now, with emotional happiness and physical health.”
“Long live the kings of story, screenplay, and dialogue—producers of our lives and directors of our present and future,” said Salman Khan.
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar said that “Angry Young Men” is about the two men who created a character that pretty much defined Hindi cinema in the 1970s.
“The story of Salim-Javed’s dynamic journey starting from small towns to exploding onto the silver screen and how they put their hardships, their heartbreaks and their swag into their cinema,” said Zoya.
Talking about the iconic duo, Farhan said: “I remember everyone referring to my father and Salim uncle as Salim-Javed, a singular name; their names were never mentioned separately but always together. Their journey was marked by grit, passion, and a fierce zeal to transform Hindi cinema, especially in its attitude towards the writer.”
“They succeeded and, in doing so, left an impression that still lives on generations after.”
Farhan shared that “Angry Young Men” is a testament to the genius and the legacy of these two undeniable forces of nature.
“Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are trailblazers and were the most sought-after writing duo of their time, with a profound impact on films and mass cinema that has continued to inspire generations of filmmakers,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing at Prime Video, India.
Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment and Tiger Baby, “Angry Young Men” is executive produced by Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. It will air on Prime Video.
–IANS
