Signature Movie Review: Signature breaks your heart over and over again. It takes you on an emotionally fraught journey, from the agony of watching a loved one suffer to the excruciating moment when you’re forced to decide whether or not they should continue to live. This is perhaps the hardest decision any guardian can face, and Signature portrays this dilemma with harrowing intensity.
At its emotional core is Arvind Pathak, played brilliantly by Anupam Kher, whose wife, Madhu (Neena Kulkarni), lies in a coma with little hope of recovery. Signature, directed by Gajendra Ahire, is an official remake of his acclaimed Marathi film Anumati. The film follows Arvind’s struggle as he tries to come to terms with his wife’s condition while racing against time to gather enough money to keep her on life support. The mounting medical bills and pressure from his son to sign a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order weigh heavily on him, but Arvind clings to hope as the doctors remain ambiguous about Madhu’s chances.
Arvind’s loyal friend, Prabhu, portrayed by Annu Kapoor, plays a key supporting role. Kapoor brings Prabhu to life with conviction, and his portrayal of a true, dependable friend shines through in every scene. Whether offering advice or simply being a source of strength for Arvind, Prabhu’s presence feels authentic. His performance is subtle yet effective, as he stands by Arvind through every trial.
Mahima Chaudhry also makes a brief appearance as Arvind’s childhood friend, Ambika. Her cameo is especially impactful, particularly because it mirrors her own real-life battle with cancer during the filming. This detail is woven into the narrative, making her scenes all the more powerful. However, the jarring dubbing of her voice is hard to ignore — it pulls you out of the moment, distracting from an otherwise strong performance.
Later in the film comes one of the most heart-wrenching scenes, as Arvind reaches the hospital after finally making up his mind about the DNR. As he enters, he sees a little boy’s lifeless body being carried out on a stretcher. Drenched in rain, his father, played by the inimitable Ranvir Shorey, stands there—defeated. This man had been fighting for his son’s life, battling the hospital, struggling with bills. Now, all of that effort is meaningless, and the despair in his eyes is almost unbearable. The scene shatters you. Arvind watches, knowing that his own battle is nearing an equally inevitable end. It’s not just a death we witness — it’s the collapse of a father’s hope, his fight, and his will to keep going. This devastating moment stays with you long after the film ends.
While Signature does a commendable job addressing issues like India’s failing healthcare system and the apathy toward senior citizens, it falters in its script. At times, the conversations feel stretched, lacking the sharpness to match the emotional depth of the scenes. The film captures the sense of lingering despair, even if some moments could have been trimmed for pace. Some dialogues feel flat, failing to capture the weight of the situations. Several scenes, especially those meant to evoke deep emotion, come across as predictable and could have been treated with more nuance.
Despite its flaws, Signature is anchored by Anupam Kher’s performance as Arvind. He fully embodies the character’s anguish, resilience and vulnerability. While the supporting cast, especially Annu Kapoor and Mahima Chaudhry, bring conviction to their roles, it is Anupam Kher’s portrayal of a man on the brink of losing everything that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The film may not hit all the right notes, but its powerful scenes and moments offer a raw, emotional depiction of love, loss and the hardest decisions we are ever forced to make.
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