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

Tanvi the Great marks a significant milestone in Indian cinema as veteran actor Anupam Kher steps into the director’s chair for this heartwarming drama. The film, produced by Anupam Kher Studio and NFDC, stars Shubhangi Dutt in the titular role alongside Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and international actor Iain Glen.

This groundbreaking film offers a unique portrayal of autism as a superpower rather than a disability, challenging conventional narratives around neurodiversity. The movie released theatrically on July 18, 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to Indian cinema’s treatment of special needs characters. With its blend of patriotic themes, family drama, and social awareness, the film attempts to bridge entertainment with meaningful storytelling.

Plot and Storyline

The narrative centers around Tanvi Raina, who 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.

The story unfolds as a tribute to both the Indian Army and the power of inclusion. Set against a musical backdrop, the story delves into themes of passion, courage, innocence, and the pure joy of being. The screenplay attempts to balance emotional family moments with the larger mission of breaking stereotypes.

However, the execution faces challenges in maintaining consistent pacing throughout its runtime. The film struggles with structural issues, particularly in the second half, where the narrative loses some of its initial momentum and focus.

Cast Performance

Shubhangi Dutt delivers a commendable debut performance as Tanvi, bringing authenticity and sensitivity to her portrayal of a young woman with autism. Despite the film’s narrative shortcomings, Shubhangi Dutt makes an impressive debut, capturing the nuances of her character with remarkable dedication. Her performance stands as the film’s strongest asset.

Anupam Kher wears multiple hats as both director and actor, playing Colonel Pratap Raina. His experience shows in his performance, bringing gravitas to the role of a military officer and loving grandfather. However, his dual responsibility as director-actor sometimes affects the balance between his on-screen presence and behind-the-camera duties.

Pallavi Joshi as Vidya Raina provides solid support as the protective mother, bringing maternal warmth and concern to her role. Her chemistry with Shubhangi Dutt feels natural and helps establish the family dynamics effectively.

Iain Glen, known for his international work, adds credibility to the military sequences, though his role appears somewhat limited in scope compared to the main cast.

Direction and Cinematography

Anupam Kher’s directorial debut shows promise but reveals inexperience in certain areas. The film had the potential to be a great film, as the basic storyline is very new and fresh, but it is just good in bits and parts because of its average narration. The director’s vision for showcasing autism as a strength rather than a limitation is commendable.

The cinematography captures the military settings and emotional moments adequately, though it doesn’t particularly stand out. The visual treatment of the Siachen Glacier sequences and army training portions could have been more impactful to match the story’s emotional weight.

Music and Technical Aspects

The film features a musical backdrop that complements the emotional journey, though the songs don’t emerge as particularly memorable. The background score supports the narrative without overwhelming it, maintaining an appropriate tone throughout the dramatic sequences.

Technical aspects including editing and sound design are competent but not exceptional. The film’s length becomes a concern, with pacing issues affecting the overall viewing experience.

What Works

The film succeeds in its core message of inclusion and representation. The portrayal of autism with dignity and respect is refreshing in Indian cinema. Shubhangi Dutt’s performance anchors the film effectively, making Tanvi’s journey believable and emotionally resonant. The patriotic elements feel genuine rather than forced.

The film’s heart is in the right place, and its intentions to break stereotypes about autism and military service are noble. The supporting cast provides solid foundations for the story.

What Could Be Better

The film suffers due to writing issues, a weak second half, and excessive length. The screenplay could have benefited from tighter editing and more focused storytelling. Some sequences feel stretched, and the narrative loses its grip in the latter portions.

The direction, while well-intentioned, lacks the polish needed for such a sensitive subject. The film’s ambitious scope sometimes works against it, as it tries to address multiple themes without fully developing any single aspect.

Critics and Public Reception

Critics have given the film a rating of 2.0/5, pointing to its structural weaknesses despite appreciating its noble intentions. Reviews indicate that while the film is not as great as expected, it has moments of genuine impact. Critics note that the well-intentioned film faces tough competition at the box office and may largely go unnoticed.

The film received mixed responses from audiences, with many appreciating Shubhangi Dutt’s performance and the film’s message while criticizing its execution and length. Some reviews praise it as a powerful call for inclusion and acceptance, serving as a tribute to the Indian Army.

I found the film to be a noble effort that doesn’t quite reach its full potential. While Shubhangi Dutt’s debut performance is genuinely moving, the film’s structural issues prevent it from being the powerful statement it could have been. The subject matter deserves better treatment, but the film’s heart is undeniably in the right place.

Rating: 2.5/5