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Last Updated: December 06, 2024, 01:41 IST
Agni Review: A Strong Return for Rahul Dholakia
Currently available for streaming on Prime Video, Agni showcases a thoughtful narrative that departs from the traditional valorization of military heroes in Bollywood, bringing to light the often-overlooked struggles of firefighters.
Agni – U/A
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: 6 December 2024 | Language: Hindi | Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes | Genre: Drama
Cast: Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu, Saiyami Kher, Jitendra Joshi, Sai Tamhankar | Director: Rahul Dholakia
Agni Movie Review: In Indian cinema, the portrayal of uniformed heroes—from soldiers to police officers—has long been a staple. Yet, Agni ventures into less-charted territory by focusing on firefighters, a group that has historically been underrepresented in cinematic narratives. Rahul Dholakia’s return with this film marks a commendable shift, highlighting not only the challenges faced by these first responders but also the bureaucratic red tape and personal tribulations they endure in their devotion to public safety.
The film centers around Vitthal, the chief firefighter at Parel Fire Station. Starting with a gripping scene of a deadly fire at a bustling restaurant, Dholakia immediately immerses viewers in the intense realities of firefighting. At this incident, Vitthal and his team discover that the fire has an unusual blue hue, triggering suspicions of arson. This leads to a subsequent fire at a garment factory that shares the same strange coloring, indicating a potential pattern.
As the investigation unfolds under the guidance of Avni, tensions arise closer to home for Vitthal, particularly with his son, who looks up to his more flamboyant uncle, Samit, a police officer willing to bend the rules. This familial conflict adds emotional depth to the story, exploring Vitthal’s struggle for respect in both his professional and personal life.
The film expertly balances character development with plot progression, using the first half to establish the stakes and highlight the beleaguered lives of its characters. Notable moments, such as Vitthal discovering a photograph of his son with Samit—an image that shatters his hopes of familial connection—underscore the emotional gravity of the narrative. The portrayal of Mahadev, Vitthal’s colleague, is particularly poignant, bringing to life the inner turmoil faced by those grappling with loss and sacrifice, especially as he reflects on his family’s tragic past linked to the 26/11 attacks.
Despite its strengths, the film does stumble with the character of Avni, whose emotional reactions appear underdeveloped, especially in the wake of personal tragedy, leaving viewers wanting more context to understand her demeanor. However, the film compensates for this with its vibrant depiction of Mumbai life, captured through adept cinematography that renders a realistic backdrop to the unfolding drama.
The special effects team deserves commendation for effectively portraying the chaos of fire incidents, further enhancing the film’s immersive quality. The climax, while predictable, is crafted with enough tension to keep audiences invested as they cheer for Vitthal against the myriad challenges he faces.
Agni also benefits from its casting choices, showcasing talented actors who bring authenticity to their roles. Pratik Gandhi shines as Vitthal, delivering a performance that encapsulates the struggles of an earnest middle-class man. His portrayal skillfully balances vulnerability and determination, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Divyenndu’s performance as Samit adds a nuanced layer to the film, occasionally recalling his character from Mirzapur but strikingly different in tone and intent. Jitendra Joshi’s portrayal of Mahadev offers a memorable character arc, while Sai Tamhankar provides solid support as Vitthal’s wife.
In conclusion, Agni stands out for its straightforward yet impactful storytelling, proving that compelling narratives do not always need grand concepts. Although it may not delve into the depths of tragedy found in other films like Parzania, Dholakia effectively presents a heartfelt story that honors the lives of firefighters, a profession often relegated to the background in popular culture. Pratik Gandhi’s stellar performance anchors the film, affirming his place in contemporary cinema and setting a strong precedent with Agni.
Source
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