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Utkal

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Reassessing Javed as a script-writer
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July 30th, 2008

Let’s take close look at Javed’s track recoird as a solo scriptwriter:
# Lakshya (2004) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story)# Armaan (2003) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# Kabhi Na Kabhi (1998) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story) Prem (1995) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story)
# Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story)# Khel (1991) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story)# Jeevan Ek Sanghursh (1990) (dialogue) (screenplay) # Joshilaay (1989) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story) # Main Azaad Hoon (1989) (writer)# Dacait (1987) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story) # Meri Jung (1985) (written by) (as Javed) # Saagar (1985) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story) # Arjun (1985) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story) # Zamana (1985) (writer)
# Duniya (1984) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story) # Mashaal (1984) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story)
# Betaab (dialogue) (screenplay) (story).

Out of these, only Betaab, Arjun and Meri Jung were hits. In terms of quality only Main Azad Hoon mkaes the grade, but it was a faithful l reworking of Meet John Doe. Mashaal and saagar had some good bits, but were hardly great scripts in totality. On the whole a pretty sad show. What do you think?

There Are 9 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by utkal on 30 July 2008:

    Mr India (1987 ), Shakti (1982) , Kranti (1981), Shaan (1980) , Dostana (1980), Kaala Patthar (1979), Trishul (1978), Don (1978) , Immaan Dharam (1977), Chacha Bhatija (1977),Sholay (1975) (writer), Aakhri Dao (1975) . Deewaar (1975), Majboor (1974), Haath Ki Safai (1974),Zanjeer (1973) , Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) , Seeta Aur Geeta (1972, Andaz (1971) ,Haathi Mere Saathi (1971).

    Out of 20, only failures are Imaan Dharam, Kaal Pathar and Shaan.Balancec 17 are hits, with many superhits, blockbusters anbs one all-time blockbuster, Sholay. In term sof quality, such landmark scrits as Deewar, Sholay, Zanjeer, Mr. India and Don. Quite remrakable, isn’t it?

  2. Comment by manoj16_391 on 31 July 2008:

    Utkal,javed akhtar is good as a dialogue writer but EXTREMELY POOR as a script writer and in screenplay.

  3. Comment by Aarohi on 31 July 2008:

    There is a hell of a lot difference between Salim Javed and Javed alone.

  4. Comment by manoj16_391 on 31 July 2008:

    Aarohi.thats what i said,he is poor as a solo-writer

  5. Comment by manoj16_391 on 31 July 2008:

    Aarohi,see this comment og akshay shah,i completely agree with him:
    “Thanks Manoj.

    On LAKSHYA, No plan to revisit this anytime soon. I saw it again in 06, and was even more disapointed with the movie overall! The biggest culprit here is a dud story by Javed Akhtar which is just pedestrian in the second half. The first half is ace (though a weaker re-run of Akhtars FAR superior DCH with the “coming of age” theme) however the second half is an absolute bore and fails to hit a mark. I prefer Dutta’s BORDER or LOC over LAKSHYA anyday. There is the odd scene (Hrithik calling Boman), and ofcourse a spectacular performance by Hrithik(to my mind his best alongside JA)AND a fantastic soundtrack..but the movie itself would get a 5.5/10

    A.Shah”

    http://www.naachgaana.com/2008/06/11/akshay-shah-reviews-1971-hindi-2007/

  6. Comment by manoj16_391 on 31 July 2008:

    Thats the problem with most of akhtars movies as solo-writer

  7. Comment by manoj16_391 on 31 July 2008:

    Armaan too lost its grip miserably in second half

  8. Comment by Ravi on 31 July 2008:

    JAkhtar is a better song and dialogue writer than anything else.

  9. Comment by manoj16_391 on 31 July 2008:

    agreed Ravi but NOT script writer(SOLO)

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