Writer/Director - Rahul Dholakia 
Cast - Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu, Jitendra Joshi, Saiyami Kher, Kabir Shah 
Platform – Amazon Prime Video 
Duration – 122 Minutes 
 
In the pantheon of cinematic superheroes, we’ve seen caped crusaders and masked vigilantes saving the world in grand, flashy ways. But in Agni, director Rahul Dholakia turns the spotlight on an unsung group of real-life heroes: firefighters. A world that’s often relegated to the background of action flicks, Agni delivers a gritty and heartfelt tribute to these brave souls, all while weaving a gripping narrative of suspense and family drama. And trust me, this film isn’t your typical hero’s journey—it’s got fire, family, and a whole lot of heart.
 
The plot centers around Vithal (played by the incredibly versatile Pratik Gandhi), a dedicated firefighter, and Samit (played by Divyenndu), his brother-in-law and a no-nonsense police inspector. Their relationship is fraught with tension—largely due to Vithal’s dangerous profession, which Samit belittles. However, when a series of mysterious, deadly fires ravage the city, they are forced to put aside their differences and join forces to uncover the person behind this deadly scheme. It’s an explosive mix of family drama, crime, and a hero’s journey, and Dholakia pulls it off with a finesse that’s both entertaining and eye-opening.
 
At its core, Agni is not just about fires—it’s about the emotional and psychological heat that firefighters, and those around them, endure. Rahul Dholakia, who made waves with Raees, takes a risk in creating a film about a profession that rarely gets cinematic attention. The result? A superhero origin story that’s rooted in reality. The pacing might feel slow at times (it takes nearly an hour to get to the main conflict), but the wait is worth it, as the narrative builds, much like the slow burn of a fire waiting to ignite.
 
Dholakia’s writing is sharp and full of social commentary, without ever feeling preachy. The system, the lack of resources for those who risk their lives daily, and the societal disregard for these men and women are all subtly woven into the script. The line, “System se bada koi joke hai to suna,” echoes the frustrations that many in these underappreciated roles face. But Dholakia never lets the message overpower the story—it’s a delicate balance between drama, action, and character development.
 
The film also stands out for its educational value—who knew that in Mumbai, firefighters call fire "Angaar" or that there’s a concept called PAGAL to teach people how to stay safe in fire emergencies? These small details not only make the world feel real but also serve to enhance the story’s authenticity.
 
But while the film excels in portraying the life of a firefighter, Agni isn’t without its flaws. The antagonist’s motivations feel somewhat lacking—while their actions are driven by a desire to get justice, their methods seem a bit extreme. And while the story occasionally veers into the familiar tropes of crime dramas and family dynamics, the fact that it’s done with such heart and conviction makes it easier to overlook.
 
One of the film's greatest strengths is its dialogue, courtesy of Vijay Maurya, who has a knack for blending languages seamlessly. The dialogues feel natural and grounded, making the characters’ struggles and relationships all the more relatable. This is especially true of the performances, which are top-notch across the board.
 
Pratik Gandhi continues to impress with his portrayal of Vithal—a man torn between his dangerous profession and the strain it puts on his family life. Agni marks another notch in his career, proving that he's a force to be reckoned with. Divyenndu, best known for his role as Munna Bhaiya in Mirzapur, delivers a solid performance as Samit, a man who needs to overcome his prejudices and team up with his brother-in-law. It’s refreshing to see him shed his notorious image and take on a more complex, layered role.
 
The supporting cast is equally strong—Jitendra Joshi brings his usual charm, while Saiyami Kher shines in her role, proving once again that she’s an actress to watch. Kabir Shah, in a pivotal role, delivers a performance that adds weight to the emotional core of the film.
 
Visually, Agni excels. K.U. Mohanan’s cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, capturing the chaos and intensity of fire sequences with remarkable precision. The long shots that follow the characters through burning buildings or tense firefighting operations heighten the drama and keep you on the edge of your seat.
 
In conclusion, Agni is a strong, original addition to the thriller genre. Rahul Dholakia’s bold choice to tell the story of firefighters—a group of heroes we often overlook—deserves applause. While it occasionally dips into familiar tropes, the emotional stakes, strong performances, and gripping action sequences keep the film grounded. It's not just a tale of fire and fury, but of resilience, family, and sacrifice.