Rahul Dholakia’s “Agni” captures a charming old-school vibe that takes us back in time. The film paints a vivid picture of Mumbai and its people through the eyes of its main character, Vitthal Surve, played by Pratik Gandhi. Vitthal is the chief of the Parel Fire Station, living in modest chawl quarters that reflect a simpler life. His wife, portrayed by Sai Tamhankar, is a caring homemaker who protects him from negativity after long days at work. Their teenage son struggles to understand his father’s challenges and is more drawn to the flashy lifestyle of his uncle, Samit Sawant, a cop with questionable morals.
Vitthal often finds himself frustrated, escaping to a dimly lit bar to share a whisky with his best friend, Mahadev Nigade. Dholakia skillfully avoids portraying firefighters as one-dimensional heroes, instead highlighting the emotional scars these individuals carry. Vitthal’s years of service have left him with a mix of pride and anger. He’s a dedicated officer, willing to jump into dangerous situations to save lives, but his job has also taken a toll on his health, leaving him with chronic lung issues.
The story takes a turn when a series of arson cases forces Vitthal to work alongside his corrupt brother-in-law, who enjoys a lavish lifestyle in a high-rise apartment. Their uneasy partnership sheds light on the complexities of law enforcement, as Vitthal sees the police as more of an obstacle than allies.
