The Signature Movie Review: Anupam Kher’s Heartfelt Performance Shines

When it comes to emotionally driven cinema, few actors can command the screen as effortlessly as Anupam Kher. In The Signature, he delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Arvind, a retired librarian caught in a whirlwind of medical and moral dilemmas. However, while Kher’s portrayal stands as a testament to his acting prowess, the film itself often falters, weighed down by pacing issues and familiar plotlines.

Let’s dive into what makes The Signature a bittersweet watch its triumphs, its struggles, and everything in between.

The Signature: A Synopsis

The Signature follows the journey of Arvind and his wife Madhu, played by Neena Kulkarni, as they embark on what should have been a dream trip to Europe. Tragedy strikes when Madhu collapses at the airport, leaving Arvind scrambling to gather the funds necessary to cover her extensive medical bills. The film paints a stark picture of a man desperate to save his wife while simultaneously being crushed by a healthcare system that places profits over patients.

Arvind is faced with an impossible choice: the doctors urge him to sign a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, meaning his wife would not be resuscitated should her condition deteriorate further. Alongside this heart-wrenching decision, Arvind must also grapple with a difficult relationship with his son, who refuses to sign papers allowing Arvind to sell their family home. The film sets the stage for an emotional tug-of-war, both in Arvind’s heart and mind.

Anupam Kher’s Standout Performance

Without question, the emotional core of The Signature is Anupam Kher. His portrayal of Arvind is both powerful and deeply vulnerable. Kher deftly captures the anguish of a man who is faced with losing not just the love of his life but also the very stability that his home and family represent. His performance in scenes where he contemplates signing the DNR form is particularly moving, and his struggle feels raw and all too real.

Kher’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety, especially when portraying Arvind’s internal conflict. He draws the audience into his grief without relying on melodrama or over-exaggerated gestures. It’s the quiet moments, the pauses, and the looks of despair that hit hardest.

But as incredible as Kher’s performance is, there’s a downside sometimes, the film doesn’t live up to his standard. The script leans heavily on conventional tropes, which can dilute the impact of his more poignant scenes.

Plot Familiarity: Treading Well-Worn Ground

One of the film’s major setbacks is its predictability. From the onset, it’s fairly clear where the story is headed. The son who refuses to help, the moments of deep despair by the hospital bed, the reappearance of old friends it’s all territory we’ve seen before. This predictability doesn’t render the film ineffective, but it does take away some of the emotional surprises that would otherwise leave a stronger impression.

The Signature is a remake of the 2013 Marathi film Anumati, which means “permission” in English. While the original film was praised for its emotional depth and Vikram Gokhale’s stellar performance, The Signature struggles to find its own voice. The movie’s pacing, especially in the first half, feels rushed at times, making it difficult for the audience to fully immerse in the emotional journey.

The Healthcare System: A Scathing Commentary

While The Signature focuses on Arvind’s personal turmoil, it also serves as a critique of the healthcare system. The film exposes the bureaucracy and coldness of a system where money takes precedence over compassion. In one particularly striking scene, Arvind questions whether the hospital is truly doing everything in its power to help his wife, or if they’re simply prolonging her suffering to milk every last rupee.

This underlying critique adds layers to the film. It’s not just a story about a man trying to save his wife; it’s about the larger system that forces him into an impossible corner. The financial burden of medical care is a universal issue, and The Signature doesn’t shy away from showing the toll it takes on families.

Supporting Cast: Adding Depth to the Narrative

Aside from Anupam Kher, the supporting cast does a commendable job in bringing the emotional stakes to life. Mahima Chaudhry, in particular, shines as Arvind’s childhood friend, offering a performance that is both touching and sincere. She drops a “truth bomb” on Arvind, adding complexity to the narrative and giving him some much-needed perspective.

Neena Kulkarni, though mostly silent due to her character’s medical condition, manages to evoke sympathy through flashbacks. These moments serve as a reminder of the life Arvind and Madhu had planned to enjoy in their later years, making the present tragedy even more poignant.

Annu Kapoor plays Arvind’s best friend with a quiet strength, grounding the film’s more emotional moments with his calm presence. His performance, like Kher’s, feels natural, adding authenticity to the film’s portrayal of friendships and familial ties.

Themes of Love, Loss, and Moral Dilemmas

At its core, The Signature is about the sacrifices we make for love and the difficult decisions we face when confronted with loss. It asks profound questions about life’s worth how do we measure it? Is it fair to prolong the life of someone who may never fully recover, or is it kinder to let them go peacefully?

These are the questions that Arvind grapples with, and while the film doesn’t offer easy answers, it does leave the audience with much to ponder. The film’s title itself is a metaphor the signature required on the DNR form becomes a symbol of permission, not just to let go of a loved one but to let go of the life Arvind had envisioned for them.

Pacing and Predictability: The Film’s Achilles Heel

Despite its emotional depth, The Signature suffers from pacing issues. The film’s first half feels rushed, packing heavy emotional beats into a short amount of time, leaving little room for gradual character development. This rushed pacing can make the film feel disjointed, as if it’s trying to do too much too quickly.

Additionally, the film’s predictability becomes a hindrance, especially for viewers familiar with medical dramas. Many of the emotional climaxes such as the decision to sign the DNR form feel telegraphed, and the film’s abrupt ending leaves several key questions unanswered, which may frustrate those seeking closure.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

The Signature is a film that tugs at the heartstrings, thanks in large part to Anupam Kher’s stellar performance. However, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing is uneven, and the storyline feels overly familiar at times. Still, for those who appreciate emotionally charged dramas that ask difficult moral questions, The Signature is worth a watch.

While it may not be the most groundbreaking film of the year, it’s a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, the strength of love, and the heartbreaking realities that come with loss.

Pros:

• Anupam Kher’s brilliant performance as Arvind
• Thought-provoking themes around healthcare, love, and moral dilemmas
• Strong supporting cast, especially Mahima Chaudhry

Cons:

• Pacing issues that disrupt the emotional flow
• Predictable plot that relies heavily on well-worn tropes
• Abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying ending

Final Verdict:

If you’re in the mood for a Bollywood drama that will leave you emotionally stirred, The Signature is a solid choice. Just don’t expect it to break new ground it’s Kher’s performance that truly carries this film across the finish line.