By There I was, mindlessly scrolling through movie promos, when I stumbled upon a clip that made me sit up and take notice. Ranveer Shorey, an actor known for his intense performances, was engaged in a heated argument with a doctor over medical bills. The raw emotion and palpable tension in that brief moment were enough to convince me that The Signature would be a hard-hitting commentary on our broken healthcare system.
Add to that a star-studded cast including veterans like Anupam Kher (Arvind), Neena Kulkarni (Madhu), Mahima Chaudhry (Ambika), Anu Kapoor (Prabhakar, Arvind’s friend) and Ranveer Shorey in what I assumed would be a scene-stealing cameo, and I was sold. I eagerly settled in for what I thought would be a wild ride through the corridors of hospital bureaucracy and human desperation.
The Signature is a Hindi remake of the 2013 Marathi classic Anumati, written and directed by Gajendra Ahire, starring Vikram Gokhale and Neena Kulkarni in the lead roles. It’s worth noting that Neena Kulkarni reprises her role as Madhu from the original film.
From European Getaway to Medical Nightmare
The story follows Madhu and Arvind as they embark on a post-retirement European getaway. However, their dreams of leisurely travel are shattered when Madhu collapses at the airport, suffering a brain haemorrhage. In a heartbeat, their vacation turns into a nightmare as Madhu is rushed to the hospital and placed on a ventilator.
What follows is a harrowing journey through the labyrinth of modern healthcare. The film doesn’t pull any punches in showing how quickly a medical emergency can drain a family’s savings. We watch as Arvind struggles to keep up with mounting hospital bills, his resources depleting at an alarming rate. It’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are in the face of unexpected health crises.
Arvind’s Moral Dilemma is The Heart of the Film
The heart of The Signature lies in Arvind’s moral dilemma. As Madhu’s condition deteriorates, he’s faced with the gut-wrenching decision of whether to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. This document would prevent CPR if Madhu’s pulse drops, essentially letting nature take its course. It’s a choice no one should have to make, and the film doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll it takes on Arvind and his family.
While the premise is undoubtedly powerful, the execution leaves something to be desired, especially in the first half. The pacing feels off, with the film taking its time to set up characters and situations. This slow-burn approach might work for some, but it can feel like a bit of a slog for those expecting the intensity promised by that initial promo.
Anupam Kher’s performance as Arvind is a mixed bag. In the early scenes, there’s a sense that he’s still finding his footing with the character. However, as the story progresses and the stakes rise, Kher really comes into his own. The film’s second half showcases why he’s considered one of India’s finest actors, with several scenes that are genuinely difficult to watch due to their raw emotional power.
Unfortunately, not all performances hit the mark. Anu Kapoor, playing Arvind’s friend, feels oddly disconnected from the gravity of the situation. His character comes across as plastic, lacking the depth and nuance you’d expect from a close friend in a crisis. The scenes meant to depict their friendship fall flat, with Kapoor’s character offering little meaningful support to Arvind in his time of need.
One of the film’s major shortcomings is its failure to fully explore the systemic issues it hints at. That initial scene with Ranveer Shorey railing against the healthcare system? It’s more of a tease than a central theme. While The Signature touches on the financial burden of prolonged hospital stays and the ethical difficulties families face in medical crises, it doesn’t dig as deep as it could into the broader issues plaguing our healthcare system.
For those who haven’t seen the original Anumati, The Signature might still offer an engaging, if somewhat uneven, experience. The film demands patience and thoughtful engagement from its audience. It’s definitely not light viewing – save this one for when you’re in the mood for something weighty and emotionally challenging.
The remake’s strength lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity and the complexities of end-of-life decisions. As we watch Arvind grapple with the DNR decision, we’re forced to ask ourselves what we would do in his shoes. It’s in these moments of quiet contemplation and agonizing choices that The Signature is at its most effective.
While the film may not deliver the scathing critique of the healthcare system that some viewers might expect, it does offer a poignant look at how illness can test the bonds of family and the limits of love. The later scenes, where Anupam Kher truly shines, will likely stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
The Signature Review: Final Thoughts
In the end, The Signature is a film that struggles to find its own identity. Caught between being a faithful remake of a Marathi classic and a contemporary commentary on healthcare issues, it never fully commits to either path. The result is a movie with moments of brilliance but fails to cohesively bring all its elements together.
For fans of dramas or those interested in exploring ethical dilemmas, The Signature might be worth a watch. Just be prepared for a slower-paced, more contemplative experience.
The Signature serves as a reminder that not all remakes are made equal. While it has its strengths—particularly in Anupam Kher’s later scenes—it falls short of being the film it could have been. It’s a case of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential, leaving viewers with a sense of what might have been.