Tanvi The Great Review: Anupam Kher & Shubhangi Dutt’s Slice-of-Life Drama Feels Overwhelming

July 18, 2025: Tanvi The Great Review – Veteran actor Anupam Kher returns to the director’s chair with Tanvi The Great, a heartwarming yet flawed attempt to tell the story of a neurodivergent girl determined to join the Indian Army. Set in the picturesque town of Lansdowne, Uttarakhand, the film stars newcomer Shubhangi in the titular role alongside Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, and Jackie Shroff.

The story begins with a tragedy—Indian soldier Samar Raina (Karan Tacker) loses his life en route to Siachen. Years later, his autistic daughter, Tanvi, returns to her ancestral home to spend time with her grandfather, Colonel Pratap Raina (Kher), while her mother attends an Autism Summit in New York. As Tanvi hones her musical talents under the guidance of Master Raza (Boman Irani), she surprises everyone by expressing her dream to follow in her late father’s footsteps and join the Army.

The Indian Army, however, does not currently accommodate neurodivergent individuals—a fact the film grapples with head-on. Tanvi’s journey, filled with obstacles and emotional confrontation, challenges societal norms and questions long-standing military restrictions.

While the film’s emotional core and noble intent are commendable, Tanvi The Great is not without its flaws. The screenplay occasionally dips into melodrama, and the dialogue often leans toward sentimentality rather than subtlety. The soundtrack and background music, integral to a story so focused on emotional depth, fall short of expectations and, at times, even distract from the narrative.

Still, the performances elevate the film. Anupam Kher delivers a measured and deeply heartfelt portrayal of a stoic yet sensitive grandfather. Newcomer Shubhangi shows remarkable promise, especially in scenes opposite Kher and during her training with Major Krishnan (Arvind Swami). Her portrayal of Tanvi’s vulnerability and resilience is one of the film’s highlights.

Despite its cinematic shortcomings, Tanvi The Great succeeds in spotlighting important issues such as inclusivity in the armed forces and the representation of neurodivergent individuals in mainstream cinema. It is a well-intentioned film that wears its heart on its sleeve and reminds us that determination can overcome even the most rigid of systems.

As the film closes on a hopeful note, it leaves audiences reflecting on the power of dreams—no matter how improbable—and the courage it takes to chase them.