Stars : Anupam Kher, Annu Malik, Mahima Chaudhary, Manoj Joshi
Watch on : Zee 5
When the choice on OTT is between a frothy comedy and a moving human drama, the coin generally flips for the funny one. At times we opt for learning how to look at the vagaries of life with the right perspectives. Directed by Gajendra Ahire, ‘The Signature’ is a film that’s touches the raw nerve with sombre intensity and it’s heart-wrenching story-telling, yet with the most relatable feel that most of us may have gone through.
Many facets of a senior citizen’s traumatic experiences get conveyed through the eyes and actions of the protagonist, Arvind who’s blissful after 35 years of settled married life with devoted wife Madhu, around whom his life revolves. Fate strikes a cruel blow and she suddenly falls critically into a coma and requires life support and medicines endlessly called for at exorbitant cost.
Arvind cannot dream of life without her & doggedly pins faith on the medical treatment with unrelenting hope of her recovery. But with mounting medical costs things start falling apart as his own kith & kin question pursuing of a hopeless cause, putting huge financial stress on them. The Doctor simply explains ‘being clinically alive’ is different from ‘becoming normal’.
Somewhere after first half, as the film becomes heavy footed & viewer feels emotionally as drained as Arvind (constantly ‘clutching at straws’ since he’s morally bound not to ‘give up’ despite repeated setbacks), a new character breezes in like a breath of fresh air. Ambika is an old friend from young days and their beautiful relationship is revived as they exchange notes on what life has given them. But listening to her travails yet a stoic acceptance of it all, Arvind gets a new perspective at how he should be looking at things.
Anupam Kher (as Arvind) carries the film on his shoulders like a colossus and proves yet again that he’s a master of his craft. For fans, there’s likely to be an implicit reference to the memorable role he played in Saaransh (1984) as an idealistic, retired school teacher who despite his personal loss, finds purpose in fighting insolent might and injustice. Many brilliant award winning performances have followed therafter.
In this film he poignantly depicts the moral dilemma that epitomizes devotion in a difficult and cruel world. Mahima Chaudhary, famed yester year’s star who comes in a lovely cameo as Ambika, is a big surprise & lights up the screen. Annu Kapoor as a loyal friend is naturally amiable and the other supporting actors are impressive.
Finally, like all good things it reminded of us our early philosophical lessons – of a heart-warming tale that we had read in school called ‘Gift of the Magi’ by French writer Guy Du Maupassant about the irony of life. As Ambika says in the film, be happy and grateful for what you’ve got and learn to accept what comes your way ! ‘That is Life’. Live it !
Working on Living 