Before the 1970s, Indian movies mostly featured romantic heroes and focused on light romance. But as time passed, the audience wanted something different. They needed a hero who didn’t just accept unfair treatment but stood up and fought back. This is where Amitabh Bachchan stepped in. With his tall frame, deep voice, and intense look, he became the voice of the common man’s frustration. This character wasn’t just about fighting but was also about a rebellion against a broken system and a struggle for self-respect. Over ten years, Bachchan went from a struggling actor to a massive superstar, changing the hero from a perfect person into someone flawed, fierce, and impossible to forget.
Even though these movies were made decades ago, they are still loved by fans of all ages. The reason is simple: the feelings of fairness, family, and standing up for yourself never go out of style. Amitabh Bachchan brought a special kind of energy to these roles that no one has been able to emulate. We take a look at some of the most memorable action movies of Amitabh Bachchan that established his Angry Young Man persona.
- Zanjeer (1973)
In Zanjeer, Bachchan plays Inspector Vijay Khanna, a police officer struggling with a traumatic past. Having witnessed his parents’ murder as a child, he grows up with a single-minded focus on catching the killer. The film follows his journey as he deals with a corrupt system and eventually goes outside the law to find justice. His performance established a new type of protagonist, one who is defined by his internal pain and someone who fights the criminals.
- Deewaar (1975)
Deewaar is a crime drama that focuses on the contrasting paths of two brothers. Bachchan plays Vijay Verma, who grows up in poverty and eventually joins the underworld to provide for his family. While his brother becomes a police officer, Vijay becomes a powerful smuggler. The story highlights the social and economic pressures that push people toward crime. Bachchan’s role is that of a man who feels abandoned by society and chooses to build his own empire. The film explores themes of morality, the gap between the rich and poor, and the breakdown of family ties.
3. Sholay (1975)
In the action-packed Sholay, Bachchan plays Jai, a no-nonsense and stern convict hired by a former police officer to capture a notorious bandit. Jai serves as the logical and steady partner to the more impulsive Veeru. His character is marked by a dry sense of humour and a stoic nature. Even in a film filled with large-scale action, Jai remains a grounded figure who speaks mostly through his actions. His role contributed to the Angry Young Man image by showing a hero who is tough and stern but loyal to his friends.
- Khoon Pasina (1977)
What’s better than one Angry Young Man? Two Angry Young Men. No, we’re not creating a segue to the creators of the Angry Young Man persona, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, we’re referring to the action-adventure movie Khoon Pasina that featured 2 varied turns of the angry character played by Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna. This film about lost-and-found themes brought in a new dimension with best friends getting separated during childhood. The two leads characters first direct their angst towards each other, but eventually team up against the baddie Zaalim Singh played by Kader Khan.
- Trishul (1978)
Trishul is a drama about a business rivalry fuelled by personal revenge. Bachchan plays Vijay, a man who arrives in the city to destroy the business of the father who abandoned his mother. The film is unique because unlike the massy action scenes, this movie had Bachchan using his intelligence. Vijay is calculated and professional, using his intelligence to outsmart his father at every turn. It presents the Angry Young Man as an ambitious and sharp person who uses the system’s own rules to achieve his personal goals.
This film is set in a coal mining community and deals with the struggles of the working class. Bachchan plays Vijay Pal Singh, a former Navy captain who is living under a false identity to escape the guilt of his past. He takes on the most dangerous jobs in the mine as a way to punish himself. The story focuses on the exploitation of workers by a greedy mine owner and the disaster that forces Vijay to face his fears. The story is about him trying to find redemption through hard labour and sacrifice.
7. Laawaris (1981)
In Laawaris, the story revolves around Heera, an orphan who is rejected by society and his biological father. Bachchan plays a man who has to fight for his dignity and identity in a world that values family lineage above all else. The character is often seen standing up against the rich and powerful who mistreat the poor. While the film includes elements of comedy and drama, the core of the character remains a man who is angry at the social labels placed upon him. It focuses on his journey to prove that a person’s worth is not defined by their birth.
- Shakti (1982)
Shakti explores the strained relationship between a strict police officer and his son. Bachchan plays Vijay, who turns to a life of crime because he feels his father values the law more than his own child. The film is a serious character study that pits duty against emotion. Vijay’s anger is directed at his father’s rigid principles, leading him to join the very criminal world his father fights against. It provides a look at how a lack of understanding can drive a person toward a path of self-destruction and conflict with the law.
Whether it is the intensity of Deewaar or the cool persona of Sholay, each of these films holds a special place in Bollywood history. They remind us of a time when one man’s voice on the big screen could make millions of fans and viewers cheer and root for the lead actor in front of a big screen.
Also Read: “That’s Not My Legacy to Own” – Agastya Nanda on Amitabh Bachchan’s Legacy
