Agni, directed by Rahul Dholakia and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, emerges as a consistently engaging thriller that brings a unique and underexplored profession to the forefront – firefighters. Unlike the typical action-packed Bollywood films, Agni veers away from the usual tropes of gunfights and chase sequences, offering a fresh perspective on heroism, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of a life-or-death profession.
The film, produced by Excel Entertainment, introduces audiences to Vitthal Rao Surve (Pratik Gandhi), a firefighter battling not just raging fires but also personal demons and public perception. Firefighters in Hindi cinema are often sidelined, but Agni breaks this trend by putting them in the spotlight and illustrating their everyday struggles and unsung heroism.
Set against the backdrop of a series of devastating fires in Mumbai, Agni follows Surve and his team as they battle blazes at a restaurant, a residential building, a coaching center, and a garment factory. But the film doesn’t merely focus on the action; it delves deeper into the emotional and psychological toll that this high-risk profession exacts on firefighters and their families.
A standout aspect of Agni is its portrayal of the frailty and vulnerability of its protagonist. Surve is not the typical masculine hero seen in most action films; he is a man with a respiratory condition, making him physically vulnerable when confronting fires. However, his spirit remains unwavering, and he continues to push forward despite his physical limitations. Pratik Gandhi’s performance is deeply compelling as he brings a raw and human dimension to a role typically reserved for superhuman figures in Bollywood.
The film also explores the complex relationship between Surve and his son, Amar (Kabir Shah), who idolizes a police officer, Samit Sawant (Divyenndu), over his unglamorous firefighter father. This father-son dynamic highlights the contrast between traditional notions of heroism, represented by the police force, and the uncelebrated bravery of firefighters. The script also subtly examines the strained relationship between the police and fire department, with moments of tension between Surve and Sawant.
One of the film’s central characters, Avni Purohit (Saiyami Kher), is an internal investigator within the fire department who begins to uncover safety violations and suspects foul play behind the recent fires. Her investigation becomes an intriguing subplot that adds depth to the narrative, as she uncovers potential sabotage, arson, and the involvement of corrupt individuals within the system.
As the story unfolds, Agni introduces an unexpected twist leading up to its climax. This twist emphasizes the frustration, anger, and helplessness often experienced by those who put their lives on the line for the greater good, only to be met with indifference and a lack of recognition.
The narrative also addresses the larger social and personal issues faced by firefighters, including the lack of compensation, dangerous working conditions, and the emotional strain of losing colleagues in the line of duty. Veteran firefighter Mahadev (Jitendra Joshi) poignantly voices these struggles in a heart-to-heart conversation with Surve, adding a layer of realism to the film.
The dialogue, written by Vijay Maurya, captures the essence of the firefighter’s world and lends the film a sense of authenticity. While the action is understated compared to typical thrillers, the film’s intensity is driven by emotional depth, character development, and the gripping reality of the job.
The performances in Agni are exceptional, with Pratik Gandhi leading the way as the vulnerable but determined Surve. Divyenndu, though not at the forefront until later in the film, impresses with his portrayal of the law-enforcing officer, Samit Sawant. Saiyami Kher and Jitendra Joshi also shine in their respective roles, contributing to the film’s nuanced exploration of heroism.
In conclusion, Agni is a standout thriller that offers a refreshing take on heroism, focusing on those who risk their lives daily to save others. By highlighting the emotional and physical toll of the firefighting profession, it not only delivers a compelling narrative but also serves as a tribute to the unsung heroes who face danger without expectation of reward or recognition. This film will leave audiences reflecting on the true nature of bravery and the sacrifices made by those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Sources By Agencies
