Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar is set to explore the iconic legacy of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed in her upcoming crime-mafia film. Known for their profound impact on Hindi cinema, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar collaborated on 24 films, with 22 achieving blockbuster status. Their work revolutionized the narrative style of Bollywood, introducing complex characters and morally ambiguous storylines in classics like Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer.
As The ‘Gully Boy’ director embarks on this new project, she reflects on the influence of Salim-Javed's writing. In an interview with the Indian Express, she emphasized that “their writing was never vulgar, even hero had ambiguity.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of their storytelling, where characters are not merely good or evil but exist in a nuanced gray area.
The partnership of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar is often credited with reshaping the landscape of Indian cinema. Their scripts were characterized by strong narratives and multi-dimensional characters, which resonated deeply with audiences. Akhtar's new film aims to delve into the themes and styles that made Salim-Javed's work so impactful.
The ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ director shared her admiration for the duo's ability to craft characters that reflect the complexities of real life. She noted that their characters were rarely black and white, often embodying shades of gray that made them relatable and memorable. This complexity is something Akhtar strives to inc.