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 incorporate into her own films, as she believes it adds depth and realism to storytelling.
One of the notable aspects of Salim-Javed's writing is their portrayal of women. Despite the male-centric narratives, Akhtar points out that the duo consistently depicted women with agency and identity. She remarked that “Even if they were male-led stories, none of the women were props.
They all had jobs” Zoya also highlighted how her brother Farhan Akhtar once noted the dignity with which Parveen Babi ’s character in Deewaar was portrayed. He emphasized that her role as a night worker was treated with respect, showcasing the humanity and depth that Salim-Javed infused into their characters. Zoya Akhtar acknowledges the influence Salim-Javed has had on her filmmaking.
She believes that the respect for ensemble casts and the importance of character development are lessons she has learned from their scripts. Akhtar stated, “The fact that they (Salim-Javed) didn’t resort to cheap tricks, they weren’t vulgar ever. That has influenced our work.
” Zoya Akhtar's upcoming crime-mafia film is anticipated to draw inspiration from the rich narrative tradition established by Salim-Javed. The filmmaker, known for her critically acclaimed works such as Gully Boy and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, is currently in the scripting phase of this project. She expressed her excitement about working in a genre that Salim-Javed excelled in, stating, “I am working on the crime-mafia film! I am working on the script right now.
So fingers crossed, that it comes to something, some heft!” The docu-series Angry Young Men, based on the lives of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar and directed by Namrata Rao , will stream on OTT starting August 20, 2024. Angry Young Men Trailer: Salim Khan And Javed Akhtar Starrer Angry Young Men Official Trailer.
