Our Tanvi The Great movie review explores Anupam Kher’s emotionally driven directorial venture, which debuted at Cannes 2025. The Hindi-language film follows the journey of a neurodivergent teenager striving to overcome societal barriers.
Featuring themes of family, identity, and determination, the movie attempts to blend realism with uplifting storytelling. With Anupam Kher at the helm and Shubhangi Dutt delivering a powerful performance, Tanvi The Great offers a fresh take on autism in Indian cinema. Here’s our in-depth FilmyJunky review of this emotional drama Hindi film.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Genre: Drama
Release Date, Director, and Cast
- Cast: Shubhangi Dutt, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Arvind Swamy
- Director: Anupam Kher
- Release Date: 18 July 2025
- Language: Hindi
- Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes
Quic Verdict:
- Emotionally sincere but narratively uneven.
- Worth a watch for Shubhangi Dutt’s breakout debut.
- Anupam Kher’s heartfelt direction holds it together.
Plot: What drives Tanvi the great movie forward
Set in the scenic hills of Lansdowne, Tanvi The Great tells the story of 21-year-old Tanvi Raina, an autistic girl cared for by her grandfather while her mother is away. Intelligent, imaginative, and observant, Tanvi navigates life with a quiet strength despite challenges in communication and routine.
Her world changes when a video of her saluting at a local army post goes viral, turning her into a national symbol of patriotic aspiration. Though the army’s recruitment norms remain unchanged, the surge of public sentiment propels her into the spotlight.
As Tanvi navigates the overwhelming glare of media, political agendas, and public expectations, her journey emerges as a bold assertion of identity and quiet resilience. Through it all, she inspires transformation not just in herself, but in those around her, including her emotionally distant grandfather.
Who shines in Tanvi’s World? A look at the Performances
Shubhangi Dutt shines in her debut, portraying Tanvi with nuance, sensitivity, and raw emotional strength. Her performance is grounded, sincere, and refreshingly free from dramatic excess. This marks an impactful start for Shubhangi Dutt in Bollywood.
Anupam Kher delivers a layered performance as Colonel Raina, capturing his transition from a rigid disciplinarian to a tender, supportive grandfather. Their dynamic adds emotional layers to the narrative. Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani, and Arvind Swamy provide effective support despite limited screen presence.
Direction, Writing & Pace
While Kher’s direction is heartfelt, the screenplay feels uneven. The first half offers subtlety and strong character work, but the second half spirals into implausibility, particularly the military training subplot. The motivational tone grows repetitive, making the film feel educational.
Despite its flaws, the film deserves credit for embracing difficult themes. Tanvi The Great stands out among Bollywood 2025 film reviews for its intent and emotional resonance.
Visuals & Music
Keiko Nakahara crafts a soft, dreamy visual palette that reflects Tanvi’s emotional inner world. The use of natural light, wide landscapes, and intimate indoor frames gives the movie a warm, contemplative look. Rather than feeling overly cinematic, the visuals feel like delicate windows into Tanvi’s perception of reality.
M.M. Keeravani provides a subtle yet effective score. While not instantly memorable, the music supports the emotional beats without overwhelming them.
Box Office Collection
Tanvi The Great had a soft start at the box office, earning around ₹40 lakh on its first day with moderate occupancy. Over the opening weekend, it collected approximately ₹1.05 crore. With a reported budget of ₹50 crore, the numbers fall short. Competition from larger releases like Saiyaara may have limited its reach, though strong word-of-mouth could help in the long run.
OTT Release Update
Though not officially announced, Tanvi The Great is expected to release on Netflix in early September 2025. This follows Anupam Kher’s previous release pattern and aligns with typical post-theatrical streaming windows.
What Works
- Shubhangi Dutt’s breakout performance
- Striking cinematography and visual storytelling
- Emotionally grounded first half
- Themes of inclusion and personal strength
What Doesn’t
- Unrealistic plot developments in the second half
- Uneven pacing and runtime issues
- Repetitive, overly preachy dialogues
- Lacks narrative restraint in emotional scenes
Should You Watch It?
Tanvi The Great is a well-meaning drama that resonates emotionally, especially through Shubhangi Dutt’s brilliant debut. While the film’s second half stumbles under its ambitions, its heart remains in the right place.
If you’re drawn to thoughtful cinema that spotlights neurodiversity, this film shares a thematic lineage with Sitaare Zameen Par, both championing empathy and inclusivity. However, this one opts for a more overtly dramatic arc.
Read our Sitaare Zameen Par review for a look at a similarly themed film.
Watch it for the performances, the message, and its visual beauty, just don’t expect a flawless script.
FAQs
1. Who plays Tanvi in Tanvi The Great?
Shubhangi Dutt, a debutante actor, plays the titular role with authenticity and grace.
2. Is Tanvi the Great based on a true story?
Not exactly, but it draws inspiration from real social challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in India.
3. How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
4. Where was it shot?
The film was primarily shot in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand.
5. Is this movie family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for a wide audience and carries a positive message.
6. Is it similar to any other film?
Yes, it draws thematic parallels with Sitaare Zameen Par, especially in how it portrays a neurodivergent protagonist overcoming social stigma.
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