Zoya Akhtar’s next film is a crime mafia drama

What’s the story?

Acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar is currently working on a crime mafia film, which is likely to have elements reminiscent of the iconic screenwriting duo Salim-Javed.

The director, known for her work in Gully boy, Zindagi Na Milegi DobaraAnd Dil Dhadakne Doventures into a genre that her father Javed Akhtar and his former writing partner Salim Khan have already mastered.

Salim-Javed’s influence on Zoya’s work

In an interview with Indian Express, Zoya discussed the impact of Salim-Javed’s writings on her own work.

“The fact that they (Salim-Javed) didn’t use cheap tricks, they were never vulgar. That influenced our work,” she said.

“There is a certain shade of gray, not everything fits completely. I think that also comes back in my work, my characters are not completely white or black.”

Zoya’s take on Salim-Javed’s portrayal of women

Zoya further pointed out that Salim-Javed’s films often feature strong female characters.

She cited the example of the character Parveen Babi in Deepwho is portrayed with dignity as a night owl.

“Even when they were male-led stories, none of the women were props. They all had jobs, even if that wasn’t explored.”

“They didn’t choose this, it just happened naturally,” she said.

‘Angry Young Men’ explores the iconic partnership between Salim and Javed

In related news: the upcoming Amazon Prime Video docuseries Angry young mendirected by Namrata Rao, delves into the life and career of Salim-Javed.

The series also explores the duo’s approach to gender dynamics in their writing and features interviews with Yash, Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Zoya, Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan, among others.

It will hit the streamer on Tuesday.