PremiumAs Angry Young Men streams, watch the best of Salim-Javed's iconic films
Celebrate the iconic Salim-Javed duo by streaming these timeless Bollywood films.
Last Updated: 05.24 PM, Aug 20, 2024
As the highly anticipated documentary Angry Young Men: The Salim-Javed Story streams on Prime Video, now is the perfect time to revisit some of the most iconic films penned by the legendary screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Known for revolutionising Indian cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, Salim-Javed crafted gripping narratives that blended action, drama, and social commentary, giving birth to the "angry young man" persona that would define a generation of films. From timeless classics like Deewaar and Don to cult favourites such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Mr. India, these films not only shaped the careers of Bollywood's biggest stars but also left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
For those eager to dive into the legacy of Salim-Javed, here are some must-watch films available for streaming on platforms like ZEE5, ShemarooMe, and SonyLIV.
Salim-Javed films streaming on OTTplay Premium
Yaadon Ki Baaraat (ZEE5)
The 1973 masala film Yaadon Ki Baaraat was written by Salim-Javed and directed by Nasir Hussain. Dharmendra, Vijay Arora, Tariq Khan, Zeenat Aman, Neetu Singh, Ajit, and Captain Raju were all part of the ensemble cast.
The film follows the lives of three young brothers—Shankar (Dharmendra), Vijay (Vijay Arora), and Ratan (Tariq Khan)—as they see the evil Shakal (Ajit) kill their parents. After their escape, the brothers parted ways, with Shankar turning into a beggar and forming a friendship with Usman (Ravindra Kapoor), Vijay finding adoption from a large estate, and Ratan living with a maid and pursuing his passion for music. After fifteen years, both Shankar and Vijay have grown up. The murder of Shankar's parents haunts him to such an extent that he resorts to crime in his quest for revenge and to protect his brothers. Sunita (Zeenat Aman), who initially teases Vijay, grows fond of him and eventually falls for him after falling in love with him. A chain of unfortunate events brings the brothers back together, but they don't recognise each other. Despite their repeated reunions, the brothers are unable to mend their relationship as the plot develops. After learning who killed their parents, Shankar resolves to seek vengeance and locate his brothers.
The film had a significant impact on Indian cinematic history. Many consider it the pioneering masala film because of the way it fused several genres: action, drama, romance, musical, criminal, and thriller. Yaadon Ki Baaraat has earned the title of "the first" and most distinctively "Bollywood film," as masala films eventually became India's most watched film genre. Music director R.D. Burman is well regarded for creating an unforgettable score.
Majboor (ShemarooMe)
The 1974 thriller Majboor was written by Salim-Javed and directed by Ravi Tandon. A stellar ensemble including Parveen Babi, Pran, Farida Jalal, Sulochana Latkar, D. K. Sapru, Iftekhar, Satyen Kappu, and Rehman, along with Amitabh Bachchan, appears in the film. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the score. Zig Zag and Cold Sweat, two 1970 American features, served as inspiration for the film.
Ravi Khanna (Amitabh Bachchan), the protagonist of Majboor, resides with his mother (Sulochana Latkar) after her death, his sister (Farida Jalal), who is unable to walk, and his brother (Alankar Joshi). A fatal brain cancer has reduced his life expectancy to six months. His family's financial situation is worsening, so he assumes blame for a murder he didn't commit. He receives a ransom of five million rupees. During his time in prison, he had surgery. Running away from the hospital, he sets out to uncover the true killer in an effort to avoid the death penalty.
Deewaar (ZEE5)
The 1975 action-crime film Deewaar was directed by Yash Chopra and written by Salim-Javed. Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi, Iftekhar, Madan Puri, Satyen Kappu, and Manmohan Krishna are all part of the ensemble cast. R. D. Burman composed the score.
The film follows two poor brothers as they fight for survival in Mumbai's shantytowns and wind up on opposite sides of the law. As a result of their brothers' separation during a period of social and political upheaval, a wall has formed between them, and the term Deewaar ("wall") alludes to this phenomenon. While the older brother, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), becomes consumed by crime due to his haunted past, the younger brother, Ravi (Shashi Kapoor), becomes a trustworthy police officer. When Ravi receives an order to apprehend Vijay, their paths intersect.
After its global release, Deewaar received rave reviews from critics who praised the film's plot, writing, score, and acting (particularly that of Bachchan, Kapoor, and Roy). Commercially successful and widely regarded as a groundbreaking film classic, it changed the face of cinema. Deewaar's anti-establishment themes and Bachchan's portrayal as a criminal anti-hero vigilante struck a chord with viewers, solidifying Bachchan's reputation as the "angry young man" of Bollywood cinema. Its impact on Indian cinema and society at large was substantial.
Salim-Javed, whose success with this film solidified their position in the industry and allowed them to pen future blockbusters, paid film writers as much as starring performers back then.
Aakhri Dao (ZEE5)
M.M. Malhotra, Kala Bharathi, and A. Salaam produced and directed the 1975 crime film Aakhri Daao. The screenplay was written by Salim-Javed. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music, and Jeetendra and Saira Banu play the lead parts, with Danny Denzongpa, Padma Khanna, and Ranjeet rounding out the cast. Bhagwati Charan Verma's eponymous 1950 novel serves as the inspiration for the film.
Ravi (Jeetendra), the offender, is a master when it comes to picking locks. After leaving everything behind, he now works for a carpentry store. The erstwhile partners Sawan (Danny Denzongpa) and Julie (Padma Khanna), nevertheless, are on his side. Will he return to his previous existence?
Immaan Dharam (ZEE5)
Premji produced and Salim-Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar) wrote the 1977 action drama film Immaan Dharam. It was directed by Desh Mukherjee. Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Aparna Sen, Helen, and Prem Chopra are among the film's stars. The composers were the duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal. When it came out, the film bombed.
Ahmed (Amitabh Bachchan) and Mohan (Shashi Kapoor) are the protagonists of this film. They act as fictitious witnesses, consistently appearing in court to present necessary evidence for a case. Their meeting and the impact of Kabir Das (Sanjeev Kumar) cause them to rethink their ways and decide to go straight. However, they quickly realise that being upstanding citizens is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to do. Simultaneously, Kabir Das faces a false murder accusation and finds himself in jail. The two friends promise to support him and uncover the truth about the murderer, but they also find themselves embroiled in trouble.
Chacha Bhatija (ZEE5)
Salim-Javed and Manmohan Desai co-wrote and directed the 1977 comedy-drama film Chacha Bhatija. It was Manmohan Desai's fourth hit of the year, including Amar Akbar Anthony, Dharam Veer, and Parvarish. This film was his second collaboration with Dharmendra, following Dharam Veer. Dharmendra, Randhir Kapoor, Rehman, Hema Malini, Yogeeta Bali, Jeevan, Master Satyajeet, and Sonia Sahni are the stars of Chacha Bhatija.
The family of Ranvir Singh Teja (Rehman), Sita (Indrani Mukherjee), Sunder (Randhir Kapoor), and Shanker (Dharmendra) are residents of the house. Until Sita's unexpected death, the family enjoys a blissful life. Sonia (Sonia Sahni), Teja's remarried wife, and her evil brother Laxmidas (Jeevan) move in with him to his mansion. Taking over Teja's property is their evil plan. Shortly after the wedding, misunderstandings surface, leading to Shanker's expulsion from the premises. These misunderstandings also result in Sunder's banishment from the house to a depressing boarding school. Teja believes that his brother and son are plotting against his wife, Soniya, and motivating each other. Years go by. Shanker is now a black marketer, and Sunder has become a con artist. Unaware of each other's identities, they cross paths and engage in an altercation. They resolve to expose Sonia and open Teja's eyes after realising they are uncle and nephew. Teja is totally oblivious to anyone or anything that can come between her and Sonia's love.
Trishul (ZEE5)
Gulshan Rai and Yash Chopra produced and directed the 1978 action drama film Trishul, with Salim-Javed receiving screenplay credits. Sahir Ludhianvi wrote the lyrics and Mohammed Zahur Khayyam composed the music. Sachin, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Poonam Dhillon, and Raakhee Gulzar are all part of the ensemble cast, and Waheeda Rehman makes a cameo appearance. Two years ago, in Chopra's Kabhi Kabhie, Kapoor, Bachchan, Raakhee, and Rehman were all co-stars.
As the protagonist, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), lives with his impoverished mother (Waheeda Rehman) after his father (Sanjeev Kumar) disowned them, the plot centres on their ordeal. Vijay plans to exact revenge on his biological father for the pain he caused his mother by becoming richer than him and then destroying his business.
Following Amitabh Bachchan and Raakhee's 1978 smash hit Muqaddar Ka Sikandar in terms of box office receipts, Trishul ranked second among Indian films that year.
They offered Rishi Kapoor the role of Ravi, but Sachin ended up playing it. When Kapoor turned down the offer, Salim-Javed became enraged with him.
Don (ZEE5)
Chandra Barot helmed the 1978 action thriller Don, which Nariman Irani produced, based on a screenplay by Salim-Javed. In addition to Zeenat Aman, Pran, Iftekhar, Om Shivpuri, and Satyen Kappu, Amitabh Bachchan stars in the film as two separate characters. Kalyanji-Anandji composed the music, while Anjaan and Indeevar wrote the lyrics.
Amitabh Bachchan portrays Don, a formidable gangster who the police pursue and ultimately loses his life in a confrontation with Iftekhar's officer, D'Silva. D'Silva arranges for Vijay, played by Bachchan, to pose as Don and go undercover in an effort to catch the rest of Don's group so that he can clamp down on them. However, following D'Silva's murder, both the criminals and the police mistake Vijay for Don. If he can't persuade them otherwise, it might be deadly.
Kranti (ZEE5)
Manoj Kumar produced, edited, wrote dialogue for, and directed the 1981 historical drama film Kranti, which was scripted by Salim-Javed. Parts played by Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Hema Malini, Parveen Babi, and Dilip Kumar round out the ensemble cast. Additionally, Dilip Kumar appeared in the film after a four-year absence.
Set in 19th-century British India, the film chronicles the liberation movement that the nation undertook from 1825 until 1875. Sanga (Dilip Kumar) and prince and freedom fighter Bharat alias Kranti (Manoj Kumar) are among the uprising's instigators. When it comes to serving the royal family of Ramgarh, Sanga is reliable and committed. After Laxman Singh (P. Jairaj) grants the British permission to use the port for commerce, he discovers that they were stealing jewels and gold and bringing in weapons.
The British have accused Sanga of murder and treason for his claimed role in Laxman Singh's killing. He evades execution and soon becomes a member of a rebel group whose sole goal is to expel the British from India. A horde of soldiers rallies around the moniker "Kranti," which they had given to their fight for independence.
After adjusting for inflation in ticket prices, it is one of the top ten biggest grossing Indian films of all time. Even after accounting for inflation, it outperformed all other Indian films from the 1980s in terms of box office receipts, making it one of the most expensive films of all time. Many people consider Kranti to be a cult classic.
Shakti (ZEE5)
Ramesh Sippy produced and directed the criminal drama film Shakti, while Salim and Javed wrote the script. Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhee Gulzar, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri are among the stars. Shakti, widely regarded as one of the finest films in Indian cinematic history, was groundbreaking for featuring the legendary performers Kumar and Bachchan in a single film.
There is a powerful storyline in Shakti. Police Superintendent Ashwini (Dilip Kumar) recounts his career in the force. The narrative focusses on how awful and difficult decisions can shape a police officer's life. The film lays out DSP Ashwini's dual status as a supporter of justice and the father of a criminal.
A crooked entrepreneur and drug kingpin named JK (Amrish Puri) kidnaps a young man named Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), and the story follows his abduction. When DSP Ashwini, Vijay's father, chooses justice over his son's lieutenant, the situation becomes more intense. After escaping from JK's clutches, Vijay becomes a seasoned criminal and begins to despise his father for this behavior. Long after Narang (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) freed him from JK's clutches, Vijay began to lobby with him. Vijay now works for Narang in their shared goal of eliminating JK, and Narang is now JK's adversary.
After Vijay attempts to side with Narang and eliminate JK, things take a dark turn when JK and his goons murder Vijay's mother, Sheetal, played by Rakhee Gulzar. Vijay, enraged by JK's behaviour, resolves to defend Roma (Smita Patil), his loved one, and exact revenge for his mother's murder. Ultimately, DSP Ashwini must decide whether to save his son, with whom he has a blood-bound tie, or to kill him for JK's murder; this decision controls Shakti's plot.
Zamana (SonyLIV)
In Ramesh Talwar's 1985 film Zamana, Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Poonam Dhillon, and Ranjeeta feature, with supporting roles played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Om Puri, Girish Karnad, Avtar Gill, Mac Mohan, and Satyendra Kapoor.
The plot revolves around the miscommunication that arises between Rajesh Khanna's Inspector Vinod Kumar and Rishi Kapoor's Ravi Kumar, who are brothers. When their photographer father Satish (Girish Karnad) died at the age of three, Vinod's mother Sudha (Ashalata Wabgaonkar) was expecting their son Ravi. As they enter adulthood, Vinod takes a job as an inspector for the police, while Ravi joins the criminal underworld and works for a don named J.D. (Kulbhushan Kharbanda). Vinod tracks down the assassins who murdered his father and persuades his younger brother to give up crime; the two men reunite after falling for the same lady.
Mr. India (ZEE5)
Shekhar Kapur helmed the 1987 superhero flick Mr. India, which Boney and Surinder Kapoor co-produced through Narsimha Enterprises. Salim and Javed wrote the screenplay and story together for their final project before breaking up. Arun Verma (Kapoor), a modest musician and philanthropist, acquires a cloaking technology that makes him invisible. The film also stars Sridevi and Amrish Puri. He crosses paths with journalist Seema Sahni (Sridevi) while renting out his house to settle his debts, and they develop feelings for one another. Puri portrays Mogambo, a gangster who aspires to rule India.
After Hukumat, Mr. India became the year's second-highest grossing film in India, thanks to its economic success. Critics both old and new gave it rave reviews, with many praising Sridevi and Anil Kapoor for their roles. Thanks to its groundbreaking treatment of the under-represented superhero genre, Mr. India was a watershed moment in Hindi cinema; subsequent years saw a slew of similar films from the same director and cast.