It is undeniable that firefighters are a special class of people who put their own lives at risk so that others may be saved in danger. Their heroism most of the time goes unnoticed, but the movie Agni on Prime Video, highlights their struggles and sacrifices. While this endeavour is praiseworthy, the film also forays into revenge fiction which then becomes a case of realism and dramatization.
Plot Overview
In sharp contrast to the usual accounts of electrical or gas fires where people find them in the aftermath and hurt the ones involved, Agni introduces someone completely new and that is a sinister who starts fires in buildings across the segment. The purpose of this character however is never revealed throughout the book which makes it all the more interesting. During the course of the fire fighting, the quest for the arsonist also becomes captivating. Whether these sequences could be termed as action sequences is up for the debate but these do have a certain intensity to them and make you turn the pages fast. That being said, the emotional connection for the viewer sometimes seems a bit out of reach with certain characters.
Strengths of the Film
- Realistic Fire Sequences
The film excels in portraying fire scenes with a mix of practical effects and VFX. The visuals are immersive and manage to convey the gravity of firefighters’ work. The sets are well-designed, enhancing the film’s authenticity. - Acting Performances
- Divyenndu and Pratik Gandhi share an engaging camaraderie that adds light moments to the intense narrative.
- Jitendra Joshi, a celebrated name from Marathi cinema, delivers a standout performance, adding depth to the film.
- Respect for Firefighters
The film effectively highlights the respect and recognition firefighters deserve, akin to the honor given to armed forces personnel. This patriotic undertone is one of the movie’s most impactful aspects.
Shortcomings
- Weak Cinematography
The firefighting sequences lack the heroic, cinematic flair they deserved. Shots showing firefighters emerging from smoke or rescuing victims could have been more dramatic to evoke a sense of awe. - Predictable Climax
As the story unfolds, the climax becomes increasingly foreseeable, reducing the suspense that the first half builds effectively. - Lack of Emotional Connection
Despite strong performances, the characters lack the emotional weight to make the audience deeply invested in their journey.
Family-Friendly Appeal
The movie is quite obscene but contains mild offensive language which makes it appropriate for the entire family. The emphasis on precaution against fire and the relevant knowledge on how to put fire off makes it more of an educational film.
Final Verdict
Agni is a valiant attempt at portraying the valorous works of the firemen, however on the count of story telling elements and emotional aspects, it does not measure up. Still, the movie is a nice great family entertainer with some good lessons to impart.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
If you’re looking for an inspiring story with action-packed sequences and a tribute to unsung heroes, Agni is worth a watch.