Tanvi the Great (2025) Movie ft. Shubhangi, Pallavi, and Iain

Tanvi The Great is a Hindi-language drama film directed by Anupam Kher, produced by Anupam Kher Studio and NFDC. The film stars Anupam Kher and Iain Glen, releasing on 18 July 2025. This groundbreaking film features an impressive cast including Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swamy, Pallavi Joshi, Nassar, and Shubhangi Dutt in lead roles.

Anupam Kher’s latest directorial effort offers a groundbreaking portrayal of autism as a superpower rather than a disability. The film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film, representing a significant shift in Indian cinema’s approach to neurodiversity.

Plot and Storyline

The story follows Tanvi Raina (Shubhangi Dutt), a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum. She lives with her mother Vidya (Pallavi Joshi) and grandfather Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher). Inspired by her deceased father, Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer who dreamed of saluting the flag at Siachen Glacier.

Tanvi becomes determined to follow in his footsteps and join the army to fulfil his dream. Despite barriers facing those with autism in military service, she resolves to complete her mission. The narrative beautifully explores themes of determination, family bonds, and the breaking of societal barriers.

Cast Performance

Shubhangi Dutt delivers a remarkable performance as Tanvi, bringing authenticity and sensitivity to her portrayal. The film shows no big speeches or emotional scenes; there is just a girl who knows her dream. Her nuanced performance captures the determination and unique perspective of her character without resorting to stereotypes.

Anupam Kher, wearing both the director’s and actor’s hats, provides a strong supporting performance as Colonel Pratap Raina. His experience shines through in creating a believable military grandfather figure. The supporting cast, including Pallavi Joshi and Iain Glen, contributes effectively to the film’s emotional core.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Anupam Kher’s direction is solid. He has mounted the film very well and makes an important comment about autistic people. The intention is pure and it shows that a lot of research has been done. The director’s approach to handling autism shows sensitivity and understanding.

The film’s technical aspects, including cinematography and M. M. Keeravani’s musical score, complement the narrative effectively. The visual storytelling captures both intimate family moments and the larger military backdrop.

What Works Well

The film’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of autism and breaking of societal barriers. The groundbreaking portrayal of autism as a superpower rather than a disability sets it apart. The family dynamics, particularly the grandfather-granddaughter relationship, are portrayed with genuine emotion and depth.

The film’s message of hope and perseverance resonates strongly, offering audiences a story that is both inspiring and educational. The military backdrop adds gravitas to Tanvi’s journey, making her mission feel both personal and patriotic.

Areas for Improvement

I found that the film suffers due to the writing, with some dialogues being fine but a few one-liners being tacky. While the intention and research are commendable, the execution in certain scenes could have been more polished.

This drama may not overwhelm audiences but will undoubtedly leave them touched by its message. The film’s pacing and some narrative choices might not appeal to all viewers, but the core message remains powerful.

Critical Reception and Ratings

The film has received a rating of 9.0 on IMDb, indicating strong audience appreciation. However, professional critics have given it a rating of 2.0/5, suggesting a divide between audience and critical reception.

Critics have described it as an inspiring tale that needs to be watched, acknowledging its social importance despite technical shortcomings. The film is noted for its message of hope and perseverance.

Final Verdict

Tanvi the Great stands as an important film in Indian cinema for its bold approach to neurodiversity and heartfelt storytelling. While it may have some technical and writing issues, the film’s core message and Shubhangi Dutt’s performance make it a worthwhile watch.

I believe the film succeeds in creating awareness about autism while telling an inspiring story of determination and family bonds. The movie serves as both entertainment and education, offering viewers a chance to understand autism from a different perspective.

Rating: 3.5/5