The Signature

A senior citizen couple ( Anupam Kher and Neena Kulkarni) are on their way to a European holiday when the wife faints at the airport and the doctors at a hospital diagnose it as brain hemorrhage. So starts the travails of Anupam who is a middle class person and just doesn't have the funds required for the costly treatment at the hospital. He manages to scrape enough by borrowing from relatives and friends. He also sells off his home but still falls short of funds. His wife is on ventilator but he is reluctant to sign the "Do not resuscitate" form.

Director Gajendra Vitthal Ahire presents an emotionally charged narrative with a superlative performance from Anupam Kher who is likely to pick up a few awards. His acting at places where he launches into a monologue reminds one of the much appreciated " Saransh" . Many viewers specially those from middle class will identify and resonate with the problems faced by him. They may also identify with scenes at the hospital Cafeteria where a cup of tea provides succour from the miseries. There are references to crowd funding attempts to help him out financially but it doesn't work. In supporting performances we have Mahima Choudhry as an ex colleague ( a cancer survivor), Annu Kapoor as a helpful friend and Ranvir Shorey as desperate father. There are intermittent scenes of a morose, sad Anupam in dilapidated building. Some kind of symbolism there ?

Some movies have no fanfare, you do not hear about them, there is no huge publicity, there is no drama and still, they are one of the best movies.

Had no idea that the movie could touch me so strongly. But the story in the movie is a reality.

In fact too real to be shown. Movies are to entertain and inspire and make one forget about the toughness of life.

Nobody makes a movie to show the realities of life. For reality is too serious to be entertaining.

Yet once in a while, some creator has the courage to think beyond money, accolades, box office collections, profit, and the normal.

Such creator is Gajendra Vitthal Ahire and the creators of this movie.

Had renewed my Zee5 subscription to watch the Sabarmati report, which unfortunately after so much hustle failed to impress me. But found this GEM accidently. Had never heard of this movie! But a movie that deeply resonates with many.

A very well-made movie and will form a deep connection with many.

The rating in IMDB does not give it justice. Not all can appreciate a fine piece of art, you need a certain amount of maturity and intellect to appreciate this gem,

Well, this movie kept me in rapt attention all through its duration. Why do good movies have to be this short, and why do the boring ones run till infinity?

Mahima made the movie after the passing of her mother, and one can feel her tears. Something tells me these are not glycerine tears but something that comes out naturally when she thinks of her mum.

Be thankful to God for the beautiful life you have, appreciate each day, and thank Him every day, for we need his goodness and mercy each second of our lives.

Highly recommended.

Mr. Anupam Kher's performance is undoubtedly the pillar of this heartwarming film. His nuanced portrayal of a father grappling with life's challenges is inspiring.

However, the film would not be complete without the roles of Mahima Chaudhry and Ranvir Shorey. Their characters, though supporting, add depth and complexity to the narrative.

Mahima Chaudhry's character, with her unwavering love and support, provides a much-needed counterbalance to the protagonist's struggles. Her performance is filled with warmth and sincerity.

Together, the performances of these three actors create a combination of emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. The film's exploration of family dynamics, love, and resilience is both heartwarming and uplifting. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking a truly wholesome and satisfying cinematic experience.

From the trailer to the poster, this movie screams tragedy, and you need to be in the right mindset to venture into watching it.

The story follows a middle-class man who goes to great lengths to save his wife, who is on life support in the hospital. His relentless struggle to gather money from all possible sources to pay for the hospital bills forms the crux of the story.

This narrative reflects the real-life experiences of millions of people across the nation, allowing it to instantly connect with the audience. It serves as a mirror to society. However, despite the emotionally charged plot and struggles, the film becomes overdone in places, diminishing its impact. The screenplay falters because the emotions are not well-paced; when the same intensity persists from the first frame to the last, viewers may feel emotionally drained rather than devastated. To evoke genuine emotion, a film must pace itself, as constant sadness can wear out the audience.

Anupam Kher delivers a performance of a lifetime, once again proving that he is a top-notch, versatile actor who can seamlessly portray any character. Ranvir Shorey, in just a few scenes, manages to make his presence felt, adding strength to the film. Annu Kapoor, in a smaller role, provides strong support. Mahima Chaudhry shines in her cameo, and it was a delight to see her on screen after a long time. She definitely deserves more roles.

The background music enhances the film's mood, and the poetry used hits deep. Director Gajendra Ahire skillfully uses silence and calmness to communicate deeper nuances, which works in the film's favor.

Be sure to have a box of tissues handy, given the emotional weight of the subject matter. While it may not be a 10/10 film, it tackles a topic that will resonate with viewers. For its performances, subject matter, and sincerity, it certainly deserves your time.

#pranureviews #TheSignature #TheSignatureReview

Now streaming on ZEE5.

What a movie! Reality is hard to digest. Movies like these show the reality of life, and the ups and down in life .What a performance by our versatile actor Anupam sir. It reminds me of Saaransh but we can't compare as both have different significance. Saaransh is about a fight for a son whereas Signature is about the fight for your better half. Again great acting, great performance, great direction, great storyline. This is what is good cinema where actors like Anupam Kher create magic with their sheer talent .Ranveer sir's role is short but impactful. Mahima Chaudhary's acting is awesome and Annu kapoor is always the best .