He who survives in the flame becomes immortal. This line captures the essence of fire and shows the bravery and resilience of the firefighters, the true heroes of the film. These individuals risk their lives to protect civilians, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. With Agni, director Rahul Dholakia attempts to highlight their sacrifices in a story that combines mystery, action and family drama.

Starring Prateek Gandhi, Divyendu, Saiyami Kher and Sai Tamhankar, the film is the story of a city that is engulfed by an unknown increase in fire incidents. At the center of the chaos is firefighter Vitthal (Prateik Gandhi), who reluctantly teams up with his policeman brother-in-law, Samit (Divyendu) to investigate the serial arsonists behind the crisis. What follows is a race against time to uncover the truth while overcoming strained family relationships.

The strength of the film lies in its portrayal of the under-appreciated role of firefighters. From characters unfamiliar with the term “fire department” to the more common use of “fire brigade”, Agni exposes the lack of identity these brave individuals face.

Pratik Gandhi is excellent as Vitthal, a man who balances his professional duties with his desire to be a role model for his young son, Aamya. Equally impressive is Divyendu, who brings his usual flair to the role of Samit, a confident policeman adept at solving problems. Their natural chemistry mirrors their off-screen camaraderie, adding depth to their dynamic.

Watch the trailer of Agni here:

Sai Tamhankar provides the emotional foundation as Rukmini, Vitthal’s supportive wife, whose calm strength complements her character. Her on-screen chemistry with Gandhi creates some of the most heart-touching moments of the film.

Saiyami Kher, playing the lead supporting role, starts off with promise but ultimately suffers from underdeveloped characterization. Her best moments come in scenes of personal loss, where she displays emotional depth, but these moments are too brief to leave a lasting impression. Jeetendra Joshi’s performance as Vitthal’s confidant Mahadev is a pleasant surprise. Starting off as a background character, Mahadev unexpectedly becomes a central figure, and Joshi’s subtle performance ensures that his presence remains memorable.

The film wisely avoids unnecessary musical numbers, instead relying on a background score that supports the narrative without making a lasting impact.

Despite its strong performance and honest intentions, Agni is not without its flaws. The pacing, especially in the second half, feels uneven, and some of the emotional arcs are poorly understood. The relationship between Vitthal and Samit, which is central to the story, could have been developed further to create a more satisfying resolution. Similarly, the ultimate identity of her father is hinted at by Aamya as a hero, but not adequately fleshed out, making the story feel somewhat incomplete.

Agni deserves credit for tackling a unique subject matter honestly and showcasing the intense dedication of the firefighters. However, its execution, while competent, falls short of exceptional. It’s a feel-good movie worth a watch that shines a light on the unsung heroes among us, but it leaves room for greater emotional and narrative impact.

Rahul Dholakia’s direction ensures that the film remains grounded, but a tighter screenplay and more subtle character development could have made Agni truly extraordinary.