What Is the Story About?
After raising two children and settling down in a new house in their native town post-retirement, Arvind and Madhu are off on a dream holiday to Europe. However, their long cherished dream comes to a grinding halt when Madhu crashes at the airport and suffers a brain haemorrhage. When Arvind runs out of resources to fund her treatment, he’s forced to make harsh decisions.
Performances?
Anupam Kher holds the film together in a way only he can, stepping into the shoes of a helpless husband fighting for his wife. Even though the situations that he lands himself in seem cinematic (and dramatic at times), Kher does well to showcase Arvind’s resilience without going overboard (which is quite a regular in this genre).
The other senior hands – from Annu Kapoor to Manoj Joshi and Neela Kulkarni – are aptly cast and submit themselves to the parts effortlessly. Ranvir Shorey is underutilised in an insignificant character though Mahima Chaudhry springs a surprise with a well-done cameo that contributes substantially to the story.
Analysis
Nearly four decades after his iconic drama Saaransh, Anupam Kher, with The Signature, is back in a tale tackling parental negligence and the traumas of the elderly lot – not only as an actor but also as a producer. An official remake of the critically acclaimed Marathi film Anumati, the family drama is helmed by award-winning filmmaker Gajendra Ahire (who helmed the original as well).
However, unlike Saaransh, Baghban or a Nata Samrat, there’s more to the drama beyond the inter-generational clash. The Signature is predominantly the story of a 60s-something husband who’ll go to any length to save his wife. As much as you appreciate the intent behind the tale, the storytelling and the plot are dated, done-to-death across various mediums. There’s hardly any scope to break new ground.
The film wastes little time in diving deep into its core conflict. Tragedy strikes at an airport and a medical emergency alters the course of Arvind and Madhu’s lives. Funds dry up thick and fast – the kin and kith don’t come to Arvind’s rescue. A legal complication prevents him from selling his property. A surprise encounter with an old flame helps him come to terms with the situation and be pragmatic.
The emotional beats in the story come alive with immense honesty, there’s not a single false note. It’s however slightly surprising that the son and daughter are painted in a poor light as children who give up on their mother so quickly and don’t care much for her on her deathbed. After focusing on Arvind’s failed attempts to arrange money, the film takes a new turn when he bumps into an old acquaintance.
The Signature has a handful of tender, moving moments as Arvind and his college sweetheart discuss their good ol’ days, looking back at a happy-go-lucky phase without responsibilities or pressures. Their conversations mirror the ephemeral nature of life, how time passes by quickly, where people arrive and depart for no specific reason and all one’s left with are memories – some good, some bad.
Just when you expect the film to traverse in a particular trajectory, a shocking twist in the climax turns its world upside down and you’re left with a lump in the throat. Gajendra Ahire’s hold over melodrama can’t be doubted, but when a story is being retold for a new audience nearly 11 years after the original, better care could’ve been taken to give it a modern-day spin.
Meanwhile, the 96-minute runtime is a double-edged sword. The film never quite grows on you, even though the melodrama is minimalistic. While it has its moments and silver linings – strong performances and a moving story – it needed convincing subplots and more well-etched parts to strike a chord. The Signature has the heart of a well-made telefilm – it neither enamours you nor is it unwatchable. Watch it only if you must.
Music and Other Departments?
Rohit Sharma’s music – both the songs and the background score – does what you expect it to, preserve the sanctity of the narrative without trying to hijack/overpower it. Within the limitations of the film, Krishna Soren’s cinematography makes a mark. The crisp runtime is a definite advantage, given the fragile, beaten-to-death plot.
Highlights?
Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhry’s performances
Evocative emotional beats
Ends well
Drawbacks?
Outdated treatment
Several unnecessary cinematic liberties
Did I Enjoy It?
In parts, only for Anupam Kher
Will You Recommend It?
If you’re in the mood for a Baghban-style film with a twist
The Signature Movie Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
