A short journal entry on the Angry Young Man Archetype

For this piece I will be discussing the angry young man archetype with the example of the iconic film - Deewaar, which is also considered one of the establishers of this archetype in Indian cinema. Directed by Yash Chopra, the film revolves around two brothers, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor). The film explores the tension between morality and survival through the brothers, who are on two ends of the law. 

Starting with the archetype, the Angry Young Man (AYM) is predominantly a blue-collar worker who realises that the system is not going to make his life better and decides to fight it. More often than not, the character was called Vijay after the success of previous films. The reason for a blue-collar job is also that it is not considered a desirable job and, to an extent, is even a form of disguised unemployment. The AYM is not trained, nor does he have a gym-toned body; he is rugged due to hard manual labour and is always ready to fight if he has to. 

The AYM became popular due to the socio-political scenario of the time. The 1970s were a turbulent period in India, marked by the Emergency, labour strikes, and growing income inequality. The film's critique of social injustice and its portrayal of a protagonist who challenges the established order resonated with a population feeling increasingly marginalised and disempowered. The society needed a character who could depict their anger and frustration at the time. 

Coming back to Deewaar, Vijay is a product of his socio-political milieu. His simmering rage against systemic injustice resonates with the frustrations of the commoner. Unlike the traditional Bollywood hero who conforms to societal norms, Vijay is a flawed, morally ambiguous protagonist. This archetype struck a chord with audiences, transforming Bachchan into a cinematic icon and giving voice to the suppressed anger of a generation.

Vijay represents those marginalised by systemic failures, forced into moral compromise for survival. Ravi, on the other hand, embodies the idealistic yet increasingly disconnected state apparatus. The film also critiques the betrayal of collective ideals, as seen in the subplot of Vijay's father, a union leader who is coerced into submission. This betrayal mirrors the disillusionment with leadership that many Indians felt during the political upheavals of the time.

The narrative structure of Deewaar is archetypal yet nuanced, revolving around a fractured family grappling with societal injustices. Vijay and Ravi grow up in poverty. Vijay, the elder sibling, takes on the responsibility of his family, eventually turning to crime as a means of escaping destitution. In stark contrast, Ravi adheres to the ideals of law and order, becoming a police officer.

The film operates as a layered critique of class struggle, corruption and the moral compromises that survival often demands. Vijay's descent into the criminal underworld is not just a personal rebellion but a response to systemic oppression. This dichotomy between individual morality and structural inequality forms the emotional and thematic crux of the story.

Additionally, Vijay celebrates the citizen and the individual in contrast to the previous rebellious characters who celebrated the city. The difference is based on the dissatisfaction with the government and the lack of resources despite the constant hard work the common people felt during the time.

The film, cinematographically, uses a dynamic visual style that complements the film's intense emotional core. The stark contrast between light and shadow becomes a recurring motif, symbolising the moral ambiguity that defines Vijay's character. Furthermore, the film is in cooler tones, and Vijay is seen wearing darker, cool-toned colours throughout the film. 

The use of urban landscapes adds a layer of realism to the narrative. Bombay, with its bustling docks, congested streets and sprawling slums, becomes an uncredited character, reflecting the socio-economic struggles of the time. Close-ups and tight framing are used effectively in pivotal moments to emphasise internal conflict, particularly in Vijay's moments of vulnerability. Conversely, wider shots are employed during Ravi's sequences to evoke a sense of duty and broader societal responsibility.

Yash Chopra's direction seamlessly blends melodrama with the gritty realities of the time. One of the most effective techniques employed is the use of contrasts between the brothers' ideologies, professional paths or emotional trajectories. Chopra masterfully paces the film, balancing quieter, introspective moments with high-stakes confrontations. The screenplay's dialogue is another standout aspect, with lines like "Mere paas maa hai" becoming cultural touchstones. The interplay between action sequences and emotional drama keeps the audience engaged while adding depth to the characters's arcs. 

Deewaar is more than just a cinematic milestone; it is a social document that continues to resonate decades after its release. Its exploration of morality, survival, and systemic injustice remains relevant, while its technical brilliance and memorable performances make it a cornerstone of Indian cinema. By blending the personal with the political, Deewaar offers a compelling narrative that stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.