Anupam Khers Tanvi The Great premiered on July 18, 2025 and is a deeply moving, exquisitely crafted film that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll. It follows Tanvi Raina played by extraordinary debutant Shubhangi Dutt, a 21 year old woman on the autism spectrum determined to fulfill her late fathers dream of saluting the tricolour at Siachen Glacier. This is not just a film; it is a tender celebration of resilience, individuality, and quiet strength.
A Story Told With Heart and Honesty
Tanvis journey is not one of loud cinematic heroics, but of quiet defiance against the odds. Inspired by her fathers unfinished dream, she is guided by her loving mother Pallavi Joshi and slowly wins over her initially reluctant grandfather, Colonel Pratap Raina played by Anupam Kher. Her decision to train at a cantonment music school and then pursue her dream through a military outpost defies both societys expectations and traditional Bollywood storytelling.
Shubhangi Dutt - A Debut That Will Be Remembered for Years
Shubhangi Dutt is a revelation. She does not just play Tanvi, she becomes her. The way she portrays Tanvis unique rhythms of thought and feeling, from the way she holds eye contact to her subtle speech inflections, feels strikingly authentic. There is no caricature here, only an honest, layered performance. Critics have rightly compared her to Priyanka Chopras Jhilmil from Barfi, yet Shubhangis performance stands apart, raw and unforgettable.
A Supporting Cast That Supports - Not Overshadows
Anupam Kher is outstanding as Colonel Raina. His journey from skepticism to deep affection for Tanvi is captured in powerful, understated moments, one of the most memorable being when he asks, Permission to hug. Arvind Swami as Major Srinivasan balances military discipline with compassion, while Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Iain Glen, and Nassar each add weight and humanity to the narrative.
Visual Elegance, Music, and Message
Cinematographer Keiko Nakahara paints breathtaking visuals of the Himalayan landscapes, misty mornings, and serene blues that reflect Tanvis inner world. The music complements this visual poetry perfectly, with gentle, uplifting compositions that resonate emotionally without overwhelming the story.
The only minor drawback is its slightly extended runtime about two and a half hours, where a few subplots like the mothers overseas project could have been trimmed. Still, these moments never diminish the films emotional core.
Why This Version of the Story Matters
Where many films rely on over the top dramatization, Tanvi The Great takes a grounded and intimate approach. Autism is not overshadowed by spectacle, but treated as part of Tanvis identity, neither ignored nor sensationalized. The film avoids melodrama and instead lets moments breathe, from her impulse to train to her small triumphs, her frustrations, her bond with her grandfather, and the silent promise she carries.
It is not about what Tanvi cannot do; it is about what she refuses to let be denied. That makes the narrative feel empowering in a way few inspirational dramas are.
Final Verdict
Tanvi The Great is far from perfect, but it dares to tell a story rarely seen on Indian screens. It is a story about an autistic individual not as tragic or odd, but as capable, hopeful, and deserving of her own dream. The film soars on its sincerity, anchored by Shubhangi Dutts debut and Anupam Khers heartfelt direction.
This is a film that will make you pause, think, and feel empathy. It is a modern fairytale rooted in reality, and yes, it reaches the kind of emotional heights you do not forget. A necessary narrative, bravely told, and impeccably felt.
