Film: The Signature

Cast: Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhry, Mohan Joshi, Sneha Paul, Kevin Gandhi and Ranvir Shorey and Neeta Kulkarni 

Director: Gajendra Ahire

Rating: 3 Moons 

The Signature traces the emotional journey of Arvind (Anupam Kher), a retired librarian whose life is slowly falling apart. At the insistence of his wife Madhu (Neena Kulkarni), Arvind moves from his city flat to a quiet village house with a courtyard. Madhu dreams of travelling the world with Arvind. But when they are waiting at the airport with the family, preparing for their first trip, Madhu collapses at the check-in line. Now begins Arvind's real battle, where he has to overcome life, relationships and a society that is indifferent to the elderly. Madhu, who suffers a brain hemorrhage, remains on life support, and her condition becomes a symbol of hope for Arvind, while also an unbearable burden.

The film presents moments that deeply affect the audience. In one scene, the doctor, played by Manoj Joshi, laments that the medical profession has now become just a “product” in which people have to invest. This harsh truth shatters all hope, leaving the audience emotionally exhausted. The most heart-rending moment comes when Arvind, with trembling hands, signs the “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) form, as if he is writing down his last shred of hope.

The Signature also presents the harsh realities of the medical industry. Director Gajendra Ahire highlights the fragile threads of relationships that often snap under strain. Ranvir Shorey’s brief but impactful role accentuates the helplessness of the family when they face the absolute, profit-driven machinery of the medical system. Mahima Chaudhary, who plays Ambika ( Arvind's ex girlfriend), brings not only pain but also hope. Her vulnerability, especially in the poignant scenes where her hair is shaved, strips away society’s polished exterior, exposing the rawness of human suffering.

Anupam Kher is outstanding in his 525th film. He has brought Arvind to life in a way that makes one feel the burden of his inner conflicts – a man who led a life full of honesty and love, now completely broken. His performance is remarkable. Mahima's character is equally emotional, leaving a deep impact on the audience. Ranvir’s brief appearance is impressive, while Annu Kapoor's role as Arvind's friend, though effective, sometimes seems close to melodrama.

The Signature serves as a window to real life, without any filters or colours. The dialogues are simple and in everyday language, giving the film a sense of reality, making it more than a scripted drama. This bittersweet simplicity is extremely difficult to achieve, and Ahire's success in creating this atmosphere is commendable. Though The Signature could have delved deeper into emotionality in a few moments where the actors seemed a little disengaged, its impact is unmistakable.

In the end, The Signature is a sensitive exploration of the fragility of life and the harsh realities of society that older people face. Though it has some flaws, the emotional weight of the film remains long after the credits roll.