Agni review: A bland yet effective tribute to firefighters that calls for change!

A cliched yet compelling thriller, Agni acts as a much-needed two-hour lesson that educates also celebrates the bravery and dedication of these unsung heroes!

Our understanding of heroes and heroism is largely shaped by films, so it’s no surprise that when real-life heroes from various forces are portrayed on screen, they often appear larger than life. While the police, army, and other defense forces receive their fair share of recognition both on and off the screen, one group of services has long remained invisible in all of this - firefighters! So ingrained is this oversight that many people don’t even realize that we have a unit especially dedicated to deal with fires and crimes related it and it’s called the Department of Fire (DOF). It’s precisely this blind spot that director Rahul Dholakia and writer Vijay Maurya explore in Agni, wrapping overdue recognition for these unsung heroes in the classic format of an investigative thriller.

The story centers on Vitthalrao (Pratik Gandhi), unafraid and dedicated chief of a Parel fire station who, along with his close-knit team - Jazz (Udit Arora) and Avni (Saiyami Kher) and other fire stations, protects Mumbai from fire hazards in restaurants, coaching centres, theatres, high rises and more. However, things take a turn when a mysterious fire leads them to investigate a massive case of arson. While the film is full of predictable tropes—inevitable deaths and an easily solvable case, it works only because it’s about firefighters who have never inhabited this space. Because the idea of firefighters collecting clues at crime scenes, conducting forensic investigations, and piecing together mysteries is something we rarely consider, making the clichés feel fresh so much so that the over the top dramatic reveal of the villain with a motive all too familiar still felt like a genuine surprise. 

When you think of an investigation, the police are usually the first to come to mind. However, if there’s one thing the yellow helmets of the fire department can’t stand, it’s the sight of the police department’s khaki. And this longstanding rivalry between firefighters and the police is cleverly used here to draw parallels. Samit Sawant (Divyendu Sharma), a celebrated yet overly proud police officer, is investigating a murder that ultimately connects to the arson case being handled by the fire department. His rush to close the case and brutality is contrasted with Vitthal's patient reach towards the answer. Adding another layer of tension, Samit also happens to be Vitthal’s brother-in-law, further straining their relationship, though in a familial rivalry.

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Unlike the typical roaring tribute with a larger-than-life hero who overshadows the profession, this film, despite having a strong protagonist, makes the profession of firefighting itself the true hero. It goes beyond the action of battling fires to highlight the personal struggles and challenges these unsung heroes face. As fire dominates the film in various ways like in an aarti, or igniting from a stove, we also get to see Vitthalrao’s home life, where he longs for the respect of his son, who idolizes his police officer uncle instead, and his wife casting off the evil eye daily to keep him safe. The camaraderie within the DOF is portrayed with an eclectic mix of personalities that feels both genuine and relatable. 

Though what stands out is the film’s appeal to our civic responsibility. It reminds us not to violate fire safety regulations—whether by blocking roads with parked cars, using cheap materials in construction, or obstructing fire exits. The message is clear: we can’t depend on firefighters to solve problems or curb fires that we so carelessly have created. These preventable hazards often lead to the very fires that put countless lives at risk. Despite everything, the film could have easily felt too much of lighthearted drag for the weighty subject it tackles. However, the actors ensure it remains captivating especially Pratik Gandhi and Divyendu Sharma. Their chemistry, another one this year after Madgaon Express, filled with sharp banter, both with each other and their respective teams and families, keeps the narrative engaging.

Agni isn't the most credibly strong film that will leave a lasting impact but it's a start to make firefighters visible where they are seen as more than people who rescue cats from trees or pull people out when they're stuck in buildings; they're the ones who risk their lives, facing flames that can leave them burned enough to be unrecognizable. Even with its somewhat over-dramatic reach, this simplistic film serves as a wake-up call, urging us to pay attention and recognize the bravery of those who face fire daily to protect us, to reflect on our own negligence! 

Agni is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video!

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