PANAJI, INDIA – November 28, 2025 – Anupam Kher’s production The Signature was named Best Film at the 56th International Film Festival of India, clinching the prestigious Golden Peacock on Thursday night at the closing ceremony in Goa.
Directed by National Award winner Gajendra Ahire, the Marathi-Hindi bilingual tells the story of an ordinary man fighting bureaucracy to take his wife’s body home after her sudden death abroad. Kher, who also plays the lead, delivered what critics described as a “career-defining performance.”
The 70-year-old actor broke down on stage while receiving the Rs 40-lakh prize, dedicating it to his late friend and frequent collaborator Satish Kaushik, who passed away in 2023. “Satish was supposed to be here with me tonight. This film is as much his as mine,” Kher said.
The jury, headed by Emmanuel Niklaus, praised the film for its “quiet power and universal appeal.” Manoj Bajpayee, who plays a compassionate embassy officer, won Best Actor (Male) — his second IFFI honour after Bhonsle.
The Signature will now get a nationwide theatrical release on December 19, followed by an OTT premiere in January 2026.
