Seven years after directing Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, Rahul Dholakia is back with a never-before-told story about firefighters in Hindi cinema–Agni, a cinematic salute to the fearless spirit, honour and sacrifices of firefighters. The film is currently streaming on Prime Video and has been produced by Excel Entertainment
PLOT
Agni centers on Vitthal Rao (played by Pratik Gandhi), the leader of the Parel Fire Station. Without delay, Rahul plunges into an incident, a dangerous blaze within a well-known restaurant, detailing how Vitthal and his crew spring into action to quench the fierce flames.
But this time, they detected something different. Unlike the yellow and orange flames, this time the fire has a blue tint to it. As Avni Purohit (played by Saiyami Kher) leads the investigation, another big fire breaks out at a textile factory. Vitthal and Avni suspect arson since the flame here is also suspiciously blue. While Vitthal is a well-respected firefighter who inspires many in his profession, he is tired of having to prove himself to his kid, who is enamored with Samit (played by Divyendu), his maternal uncle, the ‘super cop’. Unlike the righteous Vitthal, Samit is unafraid to break the rules if it benefits him.
Vitthal’s wife, Rukmini (played by Sai Tamhankar) lives life on the edge. She is frequently anxious about her husband’s whereabouts and practices rituals to remove nazar (evil eye), even as she attempts to prevent Vitthal from clashing with her corrupt, borderline evil brother, Samit. In a heartbreaking scenario, we see Ganpath, a police officer, die from burns. Devi, who used to be unable to sleep without her father, can no longer look at him due to his scorched skin. Firefighters not only do a thankless job, but they frequently work in dangerous environments with minimal protection in the form of government medical insurance.
Who will emerge as the true hero between Vitthal and Samit? Will they get along? Will Vitthal be able to earn his son’s respect? How do firefighters handle their thankless job?
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Agni is a gripping and emotionally charged film that pays tribute to the bravery and selflessness of firefighters. Inspired by real-life events, the movie boasts a gripping storyline that explores themes of courage, sacrifice and the human spirit. The cast delivers strong and nuanced performances, bringing depth and complexity to their characters. The film’s action sequences are impressively realistic, with heart-stopping firefighting scenes that showcase the skill and bravery of these everyday heroes. With its intense and emotional moments, the film is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while also providing a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a hero.
THE DRAWBACKS
The remark on the inadequate city infrastructure and lack of government assistance may seem too ‘on-the-nose,’ but when it comes to serious issues like civic safety and a lack of support for firemen, nothing can be too obvious. In fact, there may be a need to shout it from the rooftops. Agni could be one of the most important pictures released this year. At one point, the narrator states, “Jo jwala mein jalte hain, woh amar ho jaate hain.” It may lack the raw depth and sadness of Parzania, but Rahul comes back strong with this one. Agni also gives us a glimpse into the lives of firefighters, who are sadly not regarded as the cream of societal saviors.
PERFORMANCES
The performances in Agni are a major strength of the film. Pratik Gandhi delivers a standout performance as the lead, bringing a sense of quiet intensity and nuance to his character. He effectively conveys the emotional depth and complexity of his role, making his character relatable and rootable. Divyendu, on the other hand, is excellent as the main antagonist, exuding menace and unpredictability without overplaying his hand. He brings a sense of depth and dimension to his character, making him a compelling and formidable opponent. One notable weakness in the film’s character development is the portrayal of Avni. Her storyline feels somewhat undercooked, particularly in her response to her boyfriend’s death in a fire. The film doesn’t provide sufficient context or backstory to explain her seemingly indifferent and detached reaction to the tragedy. As a result, her character comes across as somewhat one-dimensional and lacking in emotional depth.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The film’s technical aspects are noteworthy, particularly the cinematography, which skillfully captures the gritty, unglamorised side of Mumbai’s middle-class neighborhoods. The camerawork, combined with the actors’ performances and Vijay Maurya’s dialogues, lends an air of authenticity to the narrative. The special effects team also deserves praise for their realistic depiction of raging fires. Director Rahul Dholakia successfully crafts a believable world, piece by piece, culminating in a suspenseful climax that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s casting is another notable strength. By opting for non-mainstream actors, the makers allow the story to take center stage, unencumbered by the baggage of big-name stars. This bold choice pays off, as the cast delivers nuanced, vanity-free performances that bring depth and realism to the narrative.
VERDICT
Agni is a film that merits attention for its straightforward and uncomplicated storytelling approach. By eschewing high-concept narratives and instead focusing on a simple, relatable story, the film proves that sometimes, less is more. While it may not possess the same level of emotional depth and tragic intensity as Parzania, Agni marks a successful return to form for director Rahul Dholakia. The film also deserves credit for shedding light on the often-overlooked lives of firefighters, who put their lives on the line every day to save others. However, it’s Pratik Gandhi’s outstanding performance that truly elevates the film, showcasing his remarkable talent and cementing his status as a leading actor in solemn, middle-class dramas.
DIRECTED BY: Rahul Dholakia
PRODUCED BY: Excel Entertainment
CAST: Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu, Saiyami Kher, Sai Tamhankar, Jitendra Joshi, Udit Arora and Kabir Shah
STREAMING ON: Prime Video
RATING: 3.5/5