Summary:

The documentary “Angry Young Men” discloses that “Sholay” was initially declared a flop despite its current status as a Hindi cinema classic.
Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar share details about the film’s troubled early reviews and the massive scale of its production.
Amitabh Bachchan and Ramesh Sippy’s response to the negative feedback played a crucial role in the film’s turnaround.

In a surprising revelation, the documentary series “Angry Young Men” uncovers that “Sholay,” one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved films, was initially a massive flop. Despite its eventual success and iconic status, the film faced harsh criticism upon its release. The documentary, which started streaming on August 20, offers an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes struggles of the film’s creators.

Director Ramesh Sippy aimed to follow up his success with “Seeta Aur Geeta” by making an even bigger film, leading to the creation of “Sholay.” According to Salim Khan, Sippy was determined to create a grand project, dismissing their initial story suggestion. As the production unfolded, the sheer scale of the film—evident in elaborate set designs and custom equipment—caused concern among the writers, Salim-Javed. They worried about the negative reviews that criticized the film’s characterization and scenes, fearing it would not resonate with audiences.

In response to the initial backlash, an emergency meeting was held with Sippy, Salim-Javed, and Amitabh Bachchan. Sippy proposed altering the ending to avoid Bachchan’s character dying, but Salim and Javed insisted on staying true to their vision. Their confidence proved well-placed as, after the film’s release, “Sholay” quickly turned into a massive success, becoming a landmark in Indian cinema.

The documentary not only sheds light on the film’s rocky journey but also explores Salim-Javed’s influential roles in shaping Amitabh Bachchan’s “Angry Young Man” persona through their work on hits like “Deewar” and “Don.”