The Signature (2024):
The Signature is a deeply moving 2024 Hindi-language drama that resonates with emotional gravity and quiet strength. Directed by acclaimed Marathi filmmaker Gajendra Ahire, the film marks the Hindi adaptation of his own National Award-winning Marathi classic, Anumati (2013). Breathing new life into the narrative, this version stars Anupam Kher in one of his most soul-stirring performances to date.
At its heart, The Signature is a tender exploration of an elderly man’s emotional and financial struggles as he navigates a broken system to save his critically ill wife.
Anupam Kher leads the cast with a haunting vulnerability that lingers long after the credits roll. Supporting him is Mahima Chaudhry, making a graceful comeback after nearly a decade, alongside a stellar ensemble including Ranvir Shorey, Annu Kapoor, Manoj Joshi, and Neena Kulkarni. Their performances breathe texture into a story rooted in everyday realities but elevated by its emotional depth.
Premiered on ZEE5 on 4 October 2024, the film was first introduced to global audiences during an early screening at the Namaste Vietnam Festival in 2023, setting the stage for its warm critical reception.
Cast and Crew
- Directer: Gajendra Ahire
- Producer: K. C. Bokadia, Anupam Kher
- Star Cast: Anupam Kher
- Ranvir Shorey
- Neena Kulkarni
- Mahima Chaudhry
- Annu Kapoor
- Manoj Joshi
- Cinematography: Krishna Soren
- Editor: Anant Kamath
- Production company: Anupam Kher Studio
- Genres: Drama
- Distributor: ZEE5
- Release date: 4 October 2024
- Country: India
- Language: Hindi
The Signature Movie 2024 Trailer
Film Star Cast
- Anupam Kher as Arvind, the elderly husband
- Mahima Chaudhry as Ambu aka Ambika
- Ranvir Shorey
- Annu Kapoor as Arvind’s close friend
- Manoj Joshi as hospital owner
- Neena Kulkarni as Madhu, Arvind’s wife
- Sneha Paul as Nalini
- Maira Khan as Anjali’s daughter
- Harman D’Souza
- Asrar Khan as Jeweller
Story of the film
The Signature follows an elderly man whose life takes a sad turn when his wife gets gravely ill and is hospitalized. As her illness deteriorates, the father encounters severe financial and emotional hurdles in his attempts to rescue her. Despite his rising despondency, he seeks aid from an old college friend who guides him through his challenges.
Production
This film was shot on location in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Main shooting started on June 5, 2022. The title was chosen via a social media vote, and the first look poster was released in June 2024.
Release
The film debuted as a ZEE5 original on October 4, 2024, following its international premiere at the Namaste Vietnam Festival 2023.
Review
The Times of India’s Dhaval Roy rated the movie 3.5 stars, calling it a moving and provocative film that delves deeply into human emotion and the enduring power of love. However, the film’s tempo may be too slow for some viewers, and the lack of big plot twists may turn off those looking for a fast-paced story. It’s worth seeing if you enjoy emotional narrative, outstanding acting, and a sophisticated investigation of human connections.
The Hindustan Times’ Rishabh Suri praises Anupam Kher’s performance, saying it adds depth and heart to this version of the Marathi classic Anumati.
Deepansh Duggal of Money Control gave the film 2.5/5 ratings, writing, While The Signature isn’t a flawless film, it is an important step toward making conversations about caregivers and compassion fatigue mainstream. The film succeeds when it analyzes the ethical and moral quandaries behind Arvind’s decision and drops when it concentrates too much on the melodramatic Baghban-style parent-child connection.
India Today gave the film two out of five stars and stated that it seeks to dive into the emotional and financial upheaval that families suffer amid medical emergencies. Despite Anupam Kher’s engaging performance, the film falters owing to its disjointed plot and lack of depth in execution.
Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost awarded the film three out of five stars, stating that Anupam Kher is just superb, capturing our interest from the first shot. Mahima Chaudhary and Annu Kapoor offer adequate assistance with their class acts, while Ranvir Shorey makes an impact despite his limited appearance. Overall, The Signature is worth watching because of Kher and Ahire’s genius.
Amit Bhatia of ABP Live gave the film 4/5 stars, stating, “‘Signature’ is not just a movie; it’s an emotional journey that reminds us of the value of life and relationships.” It not only makes you think, but it also reinforces our good fortune in witnessing the greatness of performers like Anupam Kher.
Nirali Kanabar of OTTplay gives the film three stars out of five and adds, “The Signature will move you to tears. Despite a few hiccups along the way, the film keeps you fascinated from start to finish. The film also investigates the parent-child connection as the parents get old, the difficulties that the elderly confront, and society’s opinion of them.
Risha Gangukly of Times Now gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that it is fully fleshed out despite being just two hours long. With emotional dramas becoming increasingly rare, this film might be the finest watch in a long time for fans of the genre.
Troy Ribeiro of the Free Press Journal gave the film 2.5 stars out of 5 stars and stated, “The movie doesn’t live up to the very poignant tale it claims to be. While it addresses serious subjects such as love, grief, and illness, its story is hampered by poor writing and forced plot devices. As a result, the film appears more concerned with hitting emotional beats than telling a really meaningful tale.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. (2025c, February 22). The signature. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Signature
- The Signature (2024) ⭐ 6.6 | Drama. (2024, October 4). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28435822/
