‘Tanvi: The Great,’ directed by Anupam Kher, will release in theatres on 18th July and stars Shubhangi Dutt, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani, Arvind Swamy, Nassar, and Jackie Shroff.
A story that stays with you
‘Tanvi: The Great’ is one of those rare films that lingers in your heart long after the screen fades to black. It feels less like a movie and more like an experience you want to wrap your arms around and hold close. With restraint, it speaks of autism without sermonising, and of the Indian Army without waving flags in your face. There’s no loud nationalism here, no emotional manipulation—just honest storytelling that reaches for your heart and holds it gently. Directed by Anupam Kher, returning behind the camera after more than two decades, the film reflects a clarity and confidence that was missing in his earlier directorial venture, ‘Om Jai Jagdish.’ This time, he’s found the right story, the right tone, and the right team of actors, all of whom bring their A-game. What truly makes ‘Tanvi: The Great’ stand out is its faith in simplicity. It never yells to be heard. Instead, it lets silence, looks, and moments do the talking.
Of bonds, challenges, and discovery
At its heart, the film is the story of a journey—geographical, emotional, and deeply personal. Tanvi (Shubhangi Dutt), a young autistic girl, is taken from Delhi to the serene military town of Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. Her mother, Vidya (Pallavi Joshi), an expert in autism, is heading to the US for a conference and entrusts Tanvi to her grandfather, Colonel Raina (Anupam Kher)—a retired army officer who is as disciplined as he is unaware of what autism truly entails. Initially, Raina treats her like any regular child, leading to moments of misunderstanding and tension. But as the days unfold, and Vidya leaves, Raina begins to understand and embrace his granddaughter’s world. Then, quite unexpectedly, Tanvi discovers a video clip left by her late father—a soldier whose wish was to salute the Indian flag at Siachen. That moment sparks a fire in her: she decides she will join the Army and complete what her father couldn’t.
Performances that breathe life
A big reason the film works is because of the people who bring it to life. Shubhangi Dutt is nothing short of a revelation. There’s an untrained honesty to her performance that makes Tanvi so believable. She doesn’t act; she becomes. Anupam Kher, as Colonel Raina, plays the rigid-yet-softening grandfather with just the right blend of restraint and warmth. Jackie Shroff, as Brigadier Joshi, shines in a short role. Arvind Swamy brings gravitas as Major Srinivasan, a trainer with his own past demons, while Boman Irani as the ever-charming Raza Saab adds a beautiful melodic layer to the film. The climax features Nassar in a brief yet impactful role, and in a delightful surprise, Iain Glen (yes, Ser Jorah Mormont from ‘Game of Thrones’) appears in a cameo that adds an unexpected international touch.
Heartfelt connections at the core
What sets ‘Tanvi: The Great’ apart is its emotional intelligence. It doesn't over-explain or try too hard to squeeze tears from its viewers. The backdrop of Lansdowne, with its military ambience, naturally lends itself to the story. But full credit to the filmmakers for keeping it grounded. This isn’t a film about war or sacrifice; it’s about bonds—between a granddaughter and her grandfather, between friends, between strangers who become mentors. Scenes like the one where Major Srinivasan realises Tanvi is the daughter of the man who saved his life, or when Tanvi calls her grandfather “Dadu” for the first time, are handled with such quiet grace that they break you without a single violin playing in the background.
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A lasting emotional echo
Yes, the film is long—nearly 160 minutes—but it never feels indulgent. The pacing mirrors life itself: sometimes slow, sometimes swift, but always moving forward. When you're telling a story that deals with autism, grief, family, dreams, and the military—all in one—you need time. And the film uses it wisely. At its core, ‘Tanvi: The Great’ is about resilience. It’s about how children can surprise you, how love can heal even the deepest of misunderstandings, and how a quiet determination can move mountains. In the end, Tanvi: The Great isn’t just about a girl with autism fulfilling her father’s dream. It’s also about changing perceptions—about ability, about acceptance, and about how we define courage. This is not just a film you watch; it’s one you feel. It touches a nerve and leaves you a little more tender than before. And maybe that’s the film’s greatest achievement—it doesn't shout, but it still leaves a lasting echo. If there’s one takeaway from Tanvi’s journey, it’s this: sometimes, the smallest steps taken with love can lead to the grandest destinations.
Rating: 4/5
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