'Tanvi The Great' Review: A Heartfelt Ride that Loses Steam in Hero Worship

Tanvi The Great- In Theatres

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Cast: Anupam Kher, Shubhangi Dutt, Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swamy

Director: Anupam Kher

Produced By: Anupam Kher Studio and NFDC

Anupam Kher's Tanvi The Great walks into the theatres carrying big intentions and bigger emotions. After the heartfelt Sitaare Zameen Par, which gently explored the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome without over-glorifying their journey, Tanvi The Great arrives with a different tone, one that tries to make a hero out of its protagonist from the very first frame. And while the thought is noble, the execution feels stretched, preachy, and far too dramatic for its own good.

A Promising Premise, but a Loud Start

The story follows Tanvi Raina (played by newcomer Shubhangi Dutt), a 21-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, who dreams of joining the Indian Army, a dream inspired by her late father, Captain Samar Raina (Karan Tacker), who never got to salute the national flag at Siachen. It's a touching and ambitious premise. The film opens with Tanvi being dropped off at her grandfather's house in Lansdowne, Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher) by her mother Vidya (Pallavi Joshi), who is leaving for the US to work on a global autism project. Tanvi and her grandfather don't get along initially, and she even addresses him formally as "Colonel Raina". What follows is the predictable yet endearing journey of healing, bonding, and overcoming inner and outer obstacles.

But from the first few scenes, the film seems too eager to hammer the point that Tanvi is "different but not less." While the message is important, the way it's told lacks subtlety and feels like a forced narrative device rather than something naturally felt.

Shubhangi Shines, But It's Not Always Smooth

Shubhangi Dutt makes a sincere debut. Her performance as Tanvi is full of heart, and there's no denying the effort she's poured into the role. Her body language, speech pattern, and emotional expressions are handled with grace, though there are moments where her mannerisms do feel repetitive and slightly exaggerated. But not once does she step out of character, and that alone is commendable.

Her chemistry with Anupam Kher is one of the high points of the film. Their slow-burn connection from tension to affection is written with care. Especially beautiful are the little moments of consent and care, like when Tanvi and Vidya always ask each other, "Permission to hug?" before sharing an embrace. These details stand out.

Supporting Cast and Cinematic Highlights

The supporting cast adds colour to the film's world. Boman Irani as the friendly music teacher who becomes Tanvi's confidante adds warmth. Jackie Shroff plays a senior army man, Brig. Joshi and their exchanges, including Tanvi affectionately calling him "Tiger", provide light, emotional touches. However, the standout performance comes from Arvind Swami as Major Srinivasan, Tanvi's coach. Their arc in the second half of the film brings in the emotional strength the story needs. Their banter, his strict-yet-supportive attitude, and the emotional bond they share give the film some much-needed realism and soul. There's a backstory here that unfolds slowly and leaves a lasting impression.

Visually, the film is a treat. The hilly terrains of Lansdowne, the uphill army paths, the barracks, and the misty mornings, all captured beautifully. The cinematography deserves a special mention. You truly feel like you're in the midst of the mountains.

A Long Journey with Pacing Problems

Here lies the biggest problem with Tanvi The Great: its length and its tone. At 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film feels overly stretched. The first half, in particular, struggles to keep you hooked. Scenes in the US, where Vidya is seen working on her autism project, are unnecessary and do little to move the plot. In fact, the voiceovers in Hindi over English-speaking delegates make those portions feel out of place and jarring. Pallavi Joshi's character, though layered in theory, doesn't quite strike the emotional chord it should have. Her role as a mother needed more depth and less screen time spent on her overseas project.

The film is also weighed down by Bollywood tropes. Tanvi's journey is glorified almost too much, making her out to be a hero in every scene, which ironically strips away some of the realism. Instead of simply showing her growth and letting us feel inspired, the film tells us repeatedly how inspiring she is and that takes away the magic.

Final Word: Noble Intentions, Uneven Execution

Tanvi The Great is a film that tries to say something important: that people on the autism spectrum can be brave, ambitious, and deserving of the same opportunities. It has its heart in the right place, strong performances (especially by Arvind Swami and Shubhangi Dutt), and gorgeous visuals.

But it struggles to find a balance between realism and heroism. It ends up celebrating Tanvi so much that it starts to lose sight of the story itself. Add to that the bloated run time, unnecessary subplots, and emotional heavy-handedness, and you have a film that had potential but faltered in delivery. If Sitaare Zameen Par gently nudged our hearts, Tanvi The Great tries to salute them but in doing so, forgets to just let us feel.

Watch it for the performances and a few warm moments, but keep your patience handy.