Released on 18 July 2025, Tanvi The Great is a Hindi-language drama directed by veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher, produced by Anupam Kher Studio in collaboration with NFDC. With its touching narrative, strong performances, and an emotional core, the film offers a poignant cinematic experience, even if it occasionally treads familiar ground.
Plot & Storytelling
The heart of the film is Tanvi Raina (played brilliantly by Shubhangi Dutt), a 21-year-old young woman on the autism spectrum, who lives with her devoted mother Vidya (Pallavi Joshi) and wise grandfather Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher). The story draws its emotional weight from the memory of Tanvi’s late father, Captain Samar Raina (Karan Tacker), an Indian Army officer whose dream was to salute the national flag at the Siachen Glacier. Determined to fulfil his dream, Tanvi decides to join the army — a decision that challenges societal perceptions, personal limitations, and institutional barriers.
The narrative is both inspiring and heartfelt, with moments that leave you teary-eyed, particularly during Tanvi’s training sequences and her quiet, personal victories. While the pacing in the second act could have been tighter, the sincerity of the storytelling keeps you invested.
Performances
The cast delivers uniformly strong performances:
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Shubhangi Dutt is a revelation. She portrays Tanvi with authenticity, dignity, and subtlety, avoiding stereotypes while bringing depth to the character’s emotional world.
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Anupam Kher shines as the loving yet disciplined grandfather. His scenes with Shubhangi are among the film’s most emotionally charged moments.
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Pallavi Joshi offers a grounded performance as the mother torn between protecting her daughter and letting her chase her dreams.
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Iain Glen (as Michael Simmons) adds an international dimension to the story, though his screen time is limited.
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Supporting turns from Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, and Arvind Swami add gravitas to the military setting.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Anupam Kher, making a rare turn behind the camera, imbues the film with warmth and respect for its subject. He balances the emotional beats with moments of quiet reflection, though some sequences do veer towards melodrama.
Visually, the film captures both the intimacy of family life and the grandeur of army training camps, thanks to crisp cinematography. The editing could have been sharper, especially in the middle stretch, but the emotional engagement remains intact.
Music & Soundtrack
Composed by M. M. Keeravani, the soundtrack is a standout. Tracks like "Zindagi" (sung by Vishal Mishra) and "Sena Ki Jai" (Shagun Sodhi) perfectly complement the narrative’s emotional highs and patriotic fervor. "Different, But No Less" adds an uplifting note, reinforcing the film’s core message about inclusivity. The background score is understated yet powerful, enhancing key emotional beats without overwhelming them.
Themes & Impact
At its core, Tanvi The Great is a story about resilience, breaking stereotypes, and proving that determination can overcome societal labels. It sensitively addresses autism, patriotism, and family bonds without turning the protagonist into a symbol of pity. Instead, Tanvi emerges as a figure of empowerment.
Final Verdict
Tanvi The Great is not without flaws — a slightly overlong runtime and occasional sentimental excesses — but its heart is in the right place. The film is elevated by sincere performances, an inspiring premise, and a memorable soundtrack. It is the kind of cinema that leaves you with a lump in your throat and a smile on your face.
If you are a lover of heartfelt dramas with a strong social message, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist. And for those who want to explore more honest and in-depth film critiques, the MovieKaTicket Films Review App is a perfect place to start. You can read this and other reviews on MovieKaTicket.com, where Movie Ka Ticket continues to bring audiences closer to Indian cinema’s finest offerings.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Emotional, inspiring, and worth your time.