Tanvi The Great (2025) [Movie Review] – A Heartfelt Bollywood Tale of Hope

Tanvi The Great (2025) is a Hindi drama directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher – his second film as director after over two decades in between. The film stars newcomer Shubhangi Dutt as Tanvi, supported by Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher (as her grandfather), Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Arvind Swami and even Game of Thrones’ Iain Glen. The screenplay (co-written by Kher, Abhishek Dixit and Suman Ankur) follows Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum. Inspired by her late father (Capt. Samar Raina), an Army officer who dreamed of saluting the Indian flag at Siachen, Tanvi resolves to fulfill that dream by joining the Indian Army herself. Set against the peaceful hills of Lansdowne (Uttarakhand), the story quickly establishes its premise: Tanvi’s quiet determination challenges those around her and brings out a gentle message of acceptance and courage.

Plot

The film’s first half lays out its plot straightforwardly: Tanvi (Shubhangi Dutt) travels with her mother Vidya (Pallavi Joshi) to spend time with her strict grandfather, Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher), while Vidya attends a conference. Pratap, a retired officer, initially struggles to understand Tanvi’s autism and keeps a firm hand in the household. As he learns more about his granddaughter’s condition and sees her passion for music (she studies under Boman Irani’s character), a bond begins to form. When Tanvi discovers her father’s unfinished wish of saluting the flag at Siachen, she is determined to carry on his legacy by attempting to join the Army herself. The plot follows Tanvi’s training and the support she receives from unexpected quarters – a kindly Brigadier (Jackie Shroff), a retired major (Arvind Swami), and others – as she pursues a dream most would call impossible. The storyline (based on Kher’s own concept) is uplifting and inspiring from the outset, and it makes clear that Tanvi: The Great is not a typical patriotic saga but a personal journey of hope.

Performances

Critics agree that the acting elevates the material. Shubhangi Dutt, in her debut, brings remarkable poise and honesty to Tanvi. Reviewers note that her portrayal is natural and understated – Times of India observes that her performance “never feels like acting” and praises her for capturing the small nuances of the character. Anupam Kher himself gives a warm, grounded turn as the loving but tough grandfather; his gradual realization of Tanvi’s potential is portrayed with genuine emotion. Pallavi Joshi is touching as Tanvi’s devoted mother who learns to let go. Among the supporting cast, Jackie Shroff makes a brief but empathic appearance as Brigadier Joshi, nearly “stealing the show” with his kindness (as noted by Hindustan Times). Boman Irani adds warmth as Tanvi’s kindly music teacher, and Arvind Swami is quiet and credible as a retired major who helps train her. Even Iain Glen’s small role (as an outsider who befriends Tanvi) adds an international flavor to the ensemble. Overall, Tanvi The Great is said to be “powered by heartfelt performances and an emotional core rooted in family, resilience, and purpose”.

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Direction and Screenplay

Anupam Kher’s direction is sober and sincere. His camera work avoids melodrama; as one reviewer puts it, the film “doesn’t rely on loud drama or larger-than-life characters” but instead wins over the audience “with its sincerity, warmth, and ability to touch on an important subject without turning didactic”. Kher allows everyday moments to shine, building scenes slowly so the viewer feels Tanvi’s world. The first half is particularly well-paced, introducing characters and conflicts with care. The writing team earns praise for its sensitive handling of autism: the film “deserves credit for how it portrays autism,” notes the Times of India, because it “doesn’t over-explain or dramatize” the condition but invites us to observe and empathize with Tanvi. In short, the screenplay is consistently honest – sometimes emotionally affecting – without resorting to clichés. (Some critics do mention that the second half stretches believability and slows a bit, but even so the story never becomes dull and stays on message.)

Music and Cinematography

The production values reinforce the warm tone. M. M. Keeravani’s music score is subtle and supportive, never overpowering the emotions on screen. Likewise, the cinematography by Keiko Nakahara beautifully showcases the film’s setting: the misty hills and pine forests of Lansdowne provide a serene backdrop. Reviewers note that the “cameras capture the serenity of Lansdowne beautifully”, which contrasts nicely with Tanvi’s internal struggles. This calm visual palette and the gentle musical themes make the film feel accessible and soothing, underscoring its message of hope and acceptance.

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Final Verdict

Tanvi: The Great may not be high-octane Bollywood fare, but it offers a quietly moving experience. It’s best appreciated as a simple, feel-good drama about human connection. In the end, reviewers summarize that the film is really “less about autism or the army and more about human connection – how understanding can grow in silence, how dreams can be nurtured by love”. Indeed, the climax isn’t a loud battle or melodramatic confrontation, but a gentle culmination of Tanvi’s courage and the people who believed in her. If anything, Tanvi: The Great sidesteps typical clichés and lets its honest moments linger. As one critic puts it, “it’s a film that may not leave you overwhelmed, but it will leave you moved.” For viewers seeking an uplifting and heartfelt movie about acceptance and perseverance, this film earns its 4/5 rating through genuine intent and strong performances – a truly “heartwarming tale of an unlikely cinematic hero”. 

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 / 5)