When was the last time an Indian film about a fire disaster was made?
Cop stories, yes, military sagas, yes. But a disaster tale on the lives of firemen remains untold, be it in Bollywood or regional cinema.
Now, Malayalam director Deepu Karunakaran is exploring the hazards of a leaking LPG tank in Fireman.
In a freak accident, an LPG container is dislodged from its truck. After landing on the road, gas leaks through cracks resulting from the fall. And looming ahead is the imminent danger of an explosion, triggered by any small spark.
Fireman Vijay (Mammootty) and team face their biggest challenge in thwarting this danger. Complicating the situation is the milling crowd of onlookers and an impatient media force to deal with. Also breathing down his neck is a team of arrogant policemen.
Taking a stand, Vijay decides to evacuate the neighbourhood. But the gas continues to spread, reaching the vicinity of the central jail.
Now how do you evacuate the inmates?
Before you know it, the film goes into thriller mode, keeping you guessing.
Karunakaran’s screenplay is gripping and the opening scene does not prepare you for what follows. Taking viewers to a disaster zone, he educates them on the hazards of a gas fire. Lauding the firemen who put aside emotions while in the midst of their job, you’ll have renewed respect for these unsung heroes. For the firefighters, saving lives is of paramount importance be it of a human or an animal — in this case, a rooster that falls into a well.
Retired fire chief Lakshmana Pillai (Sreekumaran) does not hesitate to don his uniform once more when soon after his farewell party he gets a call about this mishap.
Everything is in place for this ticking-clock thriller. There are nail-biting moments when the container reaches alarming pressure levels.
Karunakaran has woven interesting characters, too: the party leader, Sagaav Iqbal (Siddique), who rescues the injured. RJ Nyla Usha (a UAE resident) puts in a mature performance as IPS Officer Sherin Thomas, who supports Vijay’s decisions. Unni Mukundan as fireman Shah Jahan is wonderful, not just in the looks department but with his acting too. Comedian Salim Kumar plays a father of a girl with cancer. However, his character sketch is a not very clear, although he is the pivot around whom the story is pegged.
Mammootty slips on the fireman’s boots with great ease, and carries the heroic traits given to his character with elan. After Munnairuppu, here is another film that brings out the fire in him.
