Tanvi the Great

While staying with her estranged, retired Colonel grandfather, a woman with autism discovers her late military father's dream to be stationed at a particular base. To accomplish this, Tanvi decides to join the army, despite what some, including her grandfather, think is impossible.

This is a heartfelt movie loaded with emotion and inclusion. The story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving your goals, a classic underdog tale, as well as exploring the generational differences in parenting and understanding children's needs. The movie has drama, emotions, action, suspense, twists, and surprises. Unfortunately, the poorly timed song and dance sequences detract from the narrative flow and do not align with the autism storyline. The two-hour and thirty-minute runtime could have been significantly shortened by removing the song and dance sequences and unnecessary filler, and allowing the story to shine. Despite that, this is a beautiful film that gives a community a chance to shine and shows that being different does not make someone less. Stream it when available.

Rating: 10/10

Tanvi the Great is not just a film - it's a heartfelt ode to quiet determination, unsung heroes, and the silent strength of a young woman chasing her father's unfinished dream. Directed by Anupam Kher and beautifully anchored by a standout performance from debutant Shubhangi Dutt, this film delivers a soul-stirring experience that lingers well beyond its runtime.

The story follows Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum, who lives with her resilient mother (Pallavi Joshi) and her disciplined grandfather, Colonel Pratap Raina (played with admirable restraint by Anupam Kher). When Tanvi discovers her late father's dream of saluting the tricolour at Siachen Glacier, she takes it upon herself to fulfil it - not just for him, but for herself.

The film excels in storytelling, offering a narrative that is both inspiring and sensitive. There are moments that tug at the heartstrings without resorting to melodrama. Anupam Kher deserves applause not just for directing and producing this film but for choosing to underplay his role, allowing the focus to remain firmly on Tanvi's journey. This creative choice enhances the emotional power of the film and shows his maturity as a storyteller.o

Shubhangi Dutt is the revelation of this film. She shines with remarkable sincerity and depth in portraying Tanvi's innocence, grit, and evolving courage. It's rare to see such a poised debut performance. The supporting cast, including Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, and Iain Glen, adds weight without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

Technically, the film is well-made. Keiko Nakahara's cinematography captures the beauty and isolation of Tanvi's world with grace, while Tushar Parekh's editing maintains a measured pace throughout. M. M. Keeravani's music, while pleasant and supportive of the narrative, does not leave a lasting impact - but perhaps that's intentional, letting the story and performances take centre stage.

One cannot help but feel frustrated with the way certain self-proclaimed Godfathers and Godmothers of film criticism approach cinema today - dissecting it only through the lens of commercial metrics. Tanvi the Great may not be wrapped in box-office glitter or promotional gimmicks, but it is a genuine work of art that deserves to be seen, felt, and celebrated. If I had listened to these critics, I would've missed witnessing a truly moving piece of cinema.

Final Verdict: A must-watch film that celebrates inner strength, family bonds, and creative honesty. Anupam Kher's team has delivered a gem, and Shubhangi Dutt is a star to watch. Skip the critics - let your heart decide.

Bravo, Team Tanvi.

Tanvi The Great is what cinema should be: honest, healing, and heartfelt. The film treats autism not as a "condition" but as a perspective, and that's rare. This movie feels like a lived moment more than a scripted story. There's no grand spectacle, just quiet, soft-spoken truth. Shubhangi is a revelation in her debut. The supporting cast is absolutely impressive are of the bigest director nice and good accting this movie and impactful. MM Keeravani's music, as expected, hits all the right notes. Anupam Kher brings tenderness to every frame as a director. This movie made me cry, in the best way.

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.

An inspiring must-watch for families, educators, and especially children. Tanvi's vision is truly great.

The way the film handles autism is both respectful and empowering. It encourages acceptance and opens up meaningful conversations among kids and adults. For children on the spectrum-and those who love and support them- Tanvi the great is a source of inspiration, comfort, and courage.

With a brilliant mix of heart, message, and cinematic artistry, this film isn't just entertaining-it's important. It leaves you with a warm heart, teary eyes, and a renewed belief in the power of kindness, inclusion, and storytelling.