Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great marks his return to direction after 23 years, offering a heartfelt story centered on Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old autistic woman portrayed by debutant Shubhangi Dutt. The film explores Tanvi’s quest to fulfill her late Indian Army officer father’s dream: to stand at the highest battlefield in the world, Siachen Glacier, and salute the Indian flag. Produced by Anupam Kher Studio in association with NFDC, the film interweaves themes of autism awareness and Indian patriotism.
Kher’s perspective on autism is notably progressive. He portrays it as a superpower rather than a disability, aligning with his statement that the “opposite of normal is not abnormal; it is extraordinary.” The character Tanvi is depicted as intelligent, humorous, and endowed with a playful spirit, challenging conventional cinematic portrayals of autism that often lean on clichés.
Performance and Direction
Shubhangi Dutt delivers a committed performance, skillfully navigating the complexities of portraying autism within the constraints of mainstream Bollywood storytelling. However, critics note that while her effort is commendable, the representation lacks the depth and authenticity seen in films like Taare Zameen Par, where neurodivergent actors embodied neurodivergent roles.
Anupam Kher takes on a dual responsibility as director and actor, playing Colonel Pratap Raina, Tanvi’s grandfather. His restrained performance adds grounding to the film, yet some reviews argue that his direction occasionally falters, with moments of excessive dramatization that dilute the film’s emotional impact. Supporting cast members, including Pallavi Joshi as Tanvi’s mother and Karan Tacker as her deceased father, contribute solid performances against a backdrop of stirring patriotism.
Narrative and Pacing
The film’s narrative is inspired by real life and written by Kher alongside Ankur Suman and Abhishek Dixit. It tenderly explores Tanvi’s challenges, both personal and institutional, as she faces societal resistance in her mission to join the Indian Army. The film’s first half is praised for its pacing and emotional depth, portraying everyday moments that resonate with sincerity.
However, the second half faces criticism for its sudden plot escalations and implausible sequences, which cause the story’s believability to waver. Some pivotal moments stretch logic, undermining the consistent portrayal of autism and leaving the climax feeling overwrought. The nearly three-hour runtime is also seen as a drawback, with suggestions that a tighter edit could have improved the narrative flow and audience engagement.
Technical Aspects
Musically, the film is enriched by M.M. Keeravani’s compositions, which complement the emotional tone and patriotism ingrained in the story. Keiko Nakahara’s cinematography captures the serene beauty of Lansdowne and the majestic Siachen landscape, visually enhancing Tanvi’s journey.
Overall Impression
Tanvi The Great is a courageous and emotionally resonant attempt to spotlight autism and patriotism, emboldened by strong performances and touching moments. Yet, it struggles with balancing its multiple themes and suffers from narrative inconsistencies, especially in the latter half. Despite these flaws, it remains a significant entry in Indian cinema for its fresh perspective on autism and the inspiring portrayal of a young woman’s extraordinary resolve to honor her father’s legacy
