December 8, 2024: Agni is a well-intentioned thriller directed by Rahul Dholakia, which shines a much-needed spotlight on the often-overlooked and underappreciated firefighters. Released directly on Amazon Prime Video, the film intends to raise awareness about the challenges and dangers these brave men and women face daily.
The movie revolves around Vittahl Rao (Pratik Gandhi), a senior officer in Mumbai Fireforce, who, alongside his team, battles not only the raging fires but also the indifference of society. The film attempts to deliver a gripping narrative with a serious message, with a brave attempt despite predictable plotlines.
AGNI Plot: Rahul Dholakia’s Highlights Firefighter Heroes
Set against the backdrop of a series of arson attacks in Mumbai, Agni delves into the life of Vittahl, a firefighter frustrated by the lack of recognition for his team’s perilous work. At home, his son admires his supercop uncle (played by Divyenndu), highlighting the societal preference for flashy police work over the humble and dangerous work of firefighters. When a series of suspicious fires occur, Vittahl, alongside his brother-in-law Samit, a policeman, investigates the possibility of arson.
While the core premise of Agni—highlighting the undervaluation of firefighters—is both timely and relevant, the film is predictable. From the moment we learn of Vittahl’s strained relationship with his son and his underappreciated profession, it’s easy to guess the emotional payoffs. The screenplay rarely deviates from the expected, making it more of a formulaic watch.
Highs: Thoughtful Themes and Strong Performances
Agni stands tall in its exploration of the unsung role firefighters play in society. The film does an excellent job of portraying the risks they take and the indifference they face. A poignant scene, where Vittahl expresses his frustration over fire escapes being blocked by people’s belongings, is a stark commentary on how little thought goes into ensuring buildings are accessible to emergency responders.
In terms of performances, Pratik Gandhi gives a heartfelt portrayal of Vittahl Rao. He brings depth to his character, balancing his anger, despair, and vulnerability without overacting. The quieter moments, where his frustration is more internalized, are some of the film’s most powerful. Divyenndu, although given a secondary role, adds his usual charm, but his character arc feels underdeveloped and more like a forced addition to provide some entertainment.
The supporting cast, including Saiyami Kher, Sai Tamhankar, and Jitendra Joshi, delivers competent performances, but none of the characters feel as fleshed out as they could have been. Despite their sincerity, they are often overshadowed by the more prominent roles and the film’s predictability.
The primary flaw of Agni lies in its predictable screenplay. Dholakia and writer Vijay Mauriya stick to a well-worn formula, and anyone with basic film knowledge will easily predict the story’s developments. From the moment Vittahl’s son admires his police uncle instead of his firefighter father, it’s clear where the emotional arcs are headed. The film fails to subvert expectations, and its attempts to surprise feel more like narrative shortcuts than meaningful twists.
The screenplay is also guilty of using melodramatic devices that often detract from the impact of key moments. While there are some emotionally charged dialogues, they often feel more like filler rather than crucial character development. For instance, the film spends too much time on setting up familiar character dynamics and tropes, making it hard to feel invested in the story.
Cinematography: Elevating the Drama
KU Mohanan’s cinematography is one of the stronger elements of Agni. The use of saturated colors in key frames intensifies the drama, particularly in scenes where characters are battling both physical fires and emotional turmoil. The drone shots of fire trucks speeding through the city are visually striking and add to the film’s energy.
However, there are moments where the visual effects—especially the rendering of fire—fall short. In certain scenes, the lack of attention to detail makes the fire look artificial, which can take away from the otherwise gripping atmosphere. The technical inconsistencies, such as actors not being informed about fire placement during specific scenes, detract from the immersion.
Final Verdict: A Film with a Strong Message
Agni has all the makings of a great film—an important social message, strong performances, and a unique premise—but it ultimately struggles due to its predictability and formulaic writing. Rahul Dholakia succeeds in bringing attention to the underappreciated role of firefighters, but the film’s execution doesn’t match the potential of its theme. Despite the occasional moments of emotional depth, Agni fails to rise above its clichés, making it a film that feels all too familiar.
Rating: 3.5/5