In a recent session of The Indian Express’s Expresso, Zoya Akhtar shared valuable insights about the creative decisions behind the documentary ‘Angry Young Men,’ which explores the legendary partnership between writers Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan. Known for their groundbreaking work in iconic Bollywood films such as ‘Sholay,’ ‘Deewar,’ ‘Trishul,’ and ‘Shakti,’ the duo’s story is told through separate interviews, a directorial choice made by Namrata Rao. This innovative format, employed by the National Award-winning editor in her directorial debut, aims to highlight the individual journeys and personal lives of both writers. The documentary is co-produced by Zoya Akhtar’s Tiger Baby, Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, and Salman Khan Films, generating significant interest for its unique storytelling approach.

Zoya Akhtar elaborated on why Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan did not participate in a joint interview, stating, “I believe it was a directorial choice. As Namrata began filming them separately, a natural pattern emerged, reflecting their individual journeys and personal lives. That single meeting at the end provided perfect closure. I agreed with her vision, but it’s a question best directed to her.”

Further explaining her decision to have Namrata Rao direct the documentary, Zoya noted, “I wanted someone outside the family to bring a fresh perspective. Namrata loves Hindi films, knows their work intimately, and has a sense of humor that I knew they’d connect with. Her female perspective was crucial in capturing the essence of the ‘Angry Young Men’ in a way that was thoughtful and nuanced.”

Zoya also reflected on her collaborative history with Namrata Rao, who has previously worked with her on projects like ‘Made in Heaven,’ ‘Lust Stories,’ and ‘Ghost Stories.’ She emphasized the importance of having a female gaze to explore the strong male personas that defined Akhtar and Khan’s work while providing a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their legacy.

The docuseries ‘Angry Young Men’ is an in-depth exploration of the iconic Bollywood writer duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. This three-part series examines how Salim-Javed revolutionized Hindi cinema in the 1970s with their compelling scripts and the creation of the famous ‘Angry Young Man’ character. Through interviews with the duo and insights from industry stars, it showcases how their contributions in blockbuster films like Sholay, Deewaar, and Don captured a generation and left an enduring cultural impact. The docuseries aims to provide a personal and honest look at their lives, their writing process, and their lasting legacy.