Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4/5 stars
After 23 years, Anupam Kher returns to the director’s chair with Tanvi: The Great, and it’s clear this project means everything to him. This deeply personal film tells the story of a young woman with autism who dares to dream big, and while it has its flaws, it’s impossible not to be moved by its sincere heart.
The Story
Tanvi Raina (Shubhangi Dutt) is a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum who lives with her mother Vidya (Pallavi Joshi) and grandfather Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher). When she learns about her deceased father’s unfulfilled dream to salute the Indian flag at Siachen Glacier, she decides to join the army and complete his mission.
This isn’t just about following in her father’s footsteps – it’s about proving that being different doesn’t mean being less capable. The film shows us Tanvi’s journey as she faces barriers and prejudices that people with autism encounter, especially in military service, but refuses to give up on her dream.
The Performances
Newcomer Shubhangi Dutt delivers an outstanding performance as Tanvi. She brings such authenticity to the role that you forget you’re watching an actor. She portrays autism with great sensitivity and realism, reflecting love, affection, politeness, curiosity, and strength — all with remarkable depth. Her preparation for the role really shows on screen.
Anupam Kher is excellent as the grandfather who gradually moves from skepticism to support. You can feel his internal conflict between wanting to protect his granddaughter and learning to believe in her abilities. The supporting cast, including Pallavi Joshi, Jackie Shroff, and Iain Glen, all contribute meaningfully to the story.
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What Works
The film’s biggest strength is its heart. This film has been inspired by real life – Anupam Kher’s own niece, also named Tanvi, is autistic and is featured prominently in the end-credits. This personal connection shows in every frame, making the story feel genuine and deeply felt.
The film offers a groundbreaking portrayal of autism as a superpower rather than a disability, which is a refreshing change from how cinema usually handles this topic. It treats Tanvi’s autism with dignity and shows her unique strengths rather than focusing only on challenges.
The emotional moments really hit home. When Tanvi faces discrimination or when her family struggles to understand her dreams, you feel it deeply. The film succeeds in making you care about this young woman’s journey.
What Doesn’t Work
The film’s noble intentions sometimes work against it. Tanvi: The Great suffers due to the writing, and this criticism seems fair. The screenplay feels unfocused at times, trying to cover too much ground without developing certain plot points fully.
The film has noble intentions but it falters on the technical front with some pacing issues and scenes that could have been tighter. The story sometimes feels scattered, jumping between different themes without fully exploring each one.
Direction and Message
As a director, Anupam Kher shows genuine passion for this story. His work is exemplary in all respects, especially considering this is his return to directing after more than two decades. You can see he cares deeply about representing autism accurately and respectfully.
The film’s message about accepting differences and supporting people with autism is important and timely. It is a great initiative to introduce the audience to people with autism and their unique abilities, which our society often overlooks.
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Final Thoughts
Tanvi: The Great is a film that succeeds more on emotion than execution. While it has technical flaws and writing issues, the sincerity of its message and the power of its performances make it worth watching.
This isn’t a perfect film, but it’s an important one. It starts conversations about autism, military service, and following your dreams regardless of what others think is possible. Shubhangi Dutt’s remarkable debut performance alone makes it worth your time.
If you’re looking for a film that will make you think, feel, and perhaps see autism in a new light, Tanvi: The Great delivers on that promise.
Bottom Line: Despite its flaws, this is a heartfelt film with an important message. It may not be technically perfect, but it’s emotionally powerful and features a breakthrough performance from Shubhangi Dutt. Worth watching for anyone who appreciates stories about overcoming barriers and chasing dreams.