The Signature review: Anupam Kher’s sensitive drama has problems, but his moving performance makes up for it all | Bollywood

The Signature review: There’s a lot to like about The Signature. But there is also a bit that leaves you disappointed. Can we call it Baghban 2.0 without the melodrama? Perhaps. (Also read: CTRL Review: Ananya Panday’s artificial intelligence thriller is a slick, fast-paced version of Black Mirror)

The Signature Story

Anupam Kher plays Arvind, a retired librarian who sets off on a trip to Europe with his wife Madhu (played by Neena Kulkarni). His world collapses when she faints at the airport, and the cause is a brain hemorrhage. After his savings have been depleted, he urgently needs money for his wife’s ventilation and medical bills. His children aren’t much help either. Doctors advise him to sign a DNR form, meaning no resuscitation measures will be given if the patient’s breathing or heart stops.

Arvind is devastated and does everything he can to raise money. Another parallel is the signature he needs from his son in order to sell his retirement home. He denies it. What happens next is the story.

“The Signature” is a remake of the critically acclaimed 2013 Marathi film “Anumati,” which means “permission” in English. Anupam follows in the footsteps of the late Vikram Gokhale. He brings Arvind’s helplessness to life so beautifully… but at first, perhaps because of the script or direction, you can tell that he is acting and not just existing as the character on screen. We’re not questioning his acting skills here, but some sequences deviate from the realism of the plot and succumb to the temptation of conventional Hindi cinema tropes. As viewers, we now know the beats of our films so well that we can guess what will happen next. Of course, the protagonist will talk to his unconscious wife sitting at her bedside. Of course his son-in-law doesn’t help him with money. Of course, when an old friend comes back into his life, there must be a purpose. It’s all very familiar territory, which in the first half of the film almost overwhelms the sincerity of Anupam’s performance (he’s also a co-producer). The pacing of the story also seems to be an issue.

The Signature is definitely not something you can casually consume for lunch or dinner. Its themes leave some food for thought: for example, the price of life. When it comes to making a choice, who deserves a hospital bed more: someone who is young and has their whole life ahead of them, or someone who is old and is considered to be past their prime has?

Anupam Kher hits it out of the park

There are certain scenes where Anupam hits it out of the park. Watch out for the film where his childhood friend, played by Mahima Chaudhry, drops a truth bomb. She has a pleasing appearance in this film and does complete justice to her role. Annu Kapoor is also such an experienced and reliable artist. Here he does well as Arvind’s best friend.

The last scene of the film where Arvind takes a decision will definitely bring tears to your eyes. Kudos again to Anupam. He’s one of the best we have, and this scene alone proves why. However, I wish the film had lived up to the level of his achievement.