Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has recently shared his thoughts on the evolving nature of stardom in Bollywood, specifically addressing whether Ranbir Kapoor could ever achieve the legendary status of Amitabh Bachchan with his recent film Animal. Akhtar, who was pivotal in creating the iconic “Angry Young Man” image for Bachchan in the 1970s, offered an intriguing perspective on the changing landscape of Hindi cinema.
The Disappearance of the Angry Young Man
In a candid interview with The Indian Express, Akhtar spoke about the “Angry Young Man” persona, a title that has long been associated with Amitabh Bachchan. This character, which symbolized a blend of rage and righteousness, became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s, with Bachchan at its center. Akhtar lamented the loss of nuance in today’s portrayal of similar characters, stating, “The pain behind the anger has been forgotten, leaving only the ugliness of the anger itself. This is why the Angry Young Man has disappeared from cinema today.”
Akhtar’s observation highlights a significant shift in the way characters are crafted in modern Bollywood. The emotional depth that once fueled the “Angry Young Man” has, according to him, been lost, leaving behind a one-dimensional portrayal that lacks the complexity needed to create truly iconic figures.
Ranbir Kapoor’s Role in Animal: A Missed Opportunity?
When asked if Ranbir Kapoor’s intense portrayal in Animal could position him as the next big superstar, akin to Amitabh Bachchan, Akhtar responded with a mix of humor and insight. “No, no. I can write a film for him,” he joked, suggesting that while Kapoor is undoubtedly talented, the path to such legendary status requires more than just one powerful role.
Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, saw Ranbir Kapoor take on the character of Ranvijay Singh, a man who is as violent as he is emotional. The film, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Tripti Dimri, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, sparked considerable controversy due to its intense content. Despite the mixed reactions, Kapoor was widely praised for his strong performance, showing his ability to handle complex roles.
However, Akhtar’s comments suggest that while Kapoor’s performance was commendable, it might not be enough to catapult him to the legendary status enjoyed by actors like Bachchan. The lack of emotional depth and the missing “pain” in today’s characters could be a barrier to achieving such iconic status.
Javed Akhtar’s Concerns About Animal‘s Success
Interestingly, Akhtar has expressed concern over the potential success of films like Animal. He once remarked that if such films become superhits, it could be a “dangerous thing” for the industry. This statement reflects his worry that the focus on violence and anger, without the accompanying emotional depth, could negatively impact the kind of cinema that is produced in the future.
The Legacy of Salim-Javed Explored in New Docu-Series
As discussions around the “Angry Young Man” continue, Javed Akhtar is also making headlines for the upcoming docu-series Angry Young Man: The Salim-Javed Story, set to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting August 20, 2024. The series will delve into the legendary partnership between Akhtar and Salim Khan, the duo behind some of Bollywood’s most iconic films. With appearances by stars like Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar, the series promises to be a fascinating exploration of a golden era in Hindi cinema.
In an industry where stardom is constantly evolving, Akhtar’s reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in crafting truly iconic characters. Whether Ranbir Kapoor will ever reach the heights of Amitabh Bachchan remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the legacy of the “Angry Young Man” continues to influence Bollywood, even as it adapts to modern sensibilities.
