Agni Movie Review: Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu shine in Rahul Dholakia’s remarkable comeback masterpiece, making it a must-watch for 2024. With a captivating storyline and exceptional performances, the film leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Dholakia’s directorial prowess combined with the brilliant acting of Gandhi and Divyenndu make Agni a must-see cinematic experience.
Agni Review
Agni Review: Bollywood has long been captivated by stories of men in uniform, from patriotic army, air force, and naval officers to brave cops. These tales of selfless service and heroism have always struck a chord with audiences, becoming a tried-and-true formula for success. Even doctors in uniform have earned their place in Bollywood’s storytelling. Yet, one group has often been overlooked: firefighters. Despite their heroism, their stories rarely find a place in mainstream patriotic or dramatic narratives.
Rahul Dholakia fills this void with Agni, a powerful and emotional masterpiece that brings these unsung heroes into the spotlight. Beyond highlighting the immense risks firefighters face, Agni dives deep into the bureaucratic struggles and personal battles they endure. The film centers on Vitthal, the chief of Parel Fire Station, and kicks off with an intense, life-threatening fire at a popular restaurant. As Vitthal and his team risk everything to battle the flames, the film explores both their professional challenges and their internal conflicts in a gripping and authentic way.
Samit, by possible bribes and corruption, is in a better financial position than Vitthal and has recently bought a luxury apartment in Mumbai. There is clear tension between the two. When a series of fires catches the Chief Minister’s attention, he calls both Vitthal and Samit to his office, ordering them to start a stricter investigation. Even there, the CM mocks and humiliated Vitthal and his fire brigade in front of Samit and his constables.
Who will emerge as the real hero—Vitthal or Samit? Will they work together? Can Vitthal earn his son’s respect? How do firefighters deal with a job that often goes unappreciated? The film addresses all these questions and more. Rahul uses the first half to introduce the characters, their personal lives, and the challenges they face in their work. The second half is where the core of the story is unfolded. Despite the slow build-up, the first half remains engaging with a tight screenplay that keeps you interested. Agni brings in a lot of emotional and memorable scenes. One such scene shows Vitthal entering his son’s room late at night, only to notice a photo frame featuring his son with Samit. The sight breaks Vitthal’s heart, highlighting the emotional toll of his struggles. Another moment comes from Mahadev, Vitthal’s colleague, who shares a touching scene where he talks to the photos of his deceased parents and brother, a victim of the tragic 26/11 attacks.
However, Avni’s storyline feels underdeveloped. Her stoic and almost mechanical reaction to her boyfriend’s death in a fire lacks depth, as there’s no backstory to explain her resilience or emotional detachment. This missing piece leaves her character feeling incomplete, making her transition after the tragedy seem too effortless.
Special mention goes to the cinematography in Agni that has beautifully captured the raw, unpolished essence of middle-class Mumbai. That makes the setting so believable and relatable. Strong performances, impactful dialogues by Vijay Maurya, and visuals which add a real depth to the narrative make this film shine. A big shoutout to the special effects team for an incredible work, especially on the fire scenes, so intense and realistic that it really draws you into the story.
Rahul Dholakia has created a world that is realistic and relatable, with a gradual build-up to a thrilling climax. Even if the ending isn’t fully unpredictable, it is good enough to keep you sitting on the edge of your seat, rooting for Vitthal as he fights against all odds.
