Review: Tanvi The Great – An Autistic Girl’s Inspiring Story!

Hindi cinema has gradually started portraying neurodivergent individuals with sensitivity and depth. Films like #TaareZameenPar highlighted dyslexia through a child’s perspective, bringing awareness to learning disabilities. #Barfi! explored autism and mutism in a heartwarming love story, while #MyNameisKhan showcased a protagonist with Asperger’s syndrome. The recently released #SitaareZameenPar dealt with the aspirations and tribulations of 10 neurodivergent characters. These films play a crucial role in promoting empathy and understanding of neurodiversity in society.

Joining this list is Anupam Kher’s directorial venture Tanvi The Great, which features a protagonist on the autism spectrum.
Tanvi Raina (Shubhangi Dutt) is a young autistic girl who lost her father, Capt. Samar Raina (Karan Tacker), in a mine blast when she was a child. Her father had dreamed of saluting the Tiranga at Siachen, and Tanvi decides to fulfill that dream. Naturally, there are obstacles—beginning with her own condition—but her heart is in the right place. Despite discouragement from her Dadu, Retd. Colonel Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher), Tanvi manages to actualize her dream. How she does it forms the crux of the story.

The first half moves at a steady pace, but the second half feels rather lengthy, which hampers the overall impact. Anupam Kher does a decent job as a director, though the cinematic liberties taken in the screenplay at times stretch believability. The music complements the scenes well, and the excellent cinematography stands out as one of the film’s highlights. Debutant Shubhangi Dutt does justice to her role and shines in several scenes. Anupam Kher excels in his role as an actor, and the love-hate relationship between Dadu and Tanvi is portrayed with maturity and subtlety.

Pallavi Joshi once again proves what a fine actress she is—her performance is like a breath of fresh air. Jackie Shroff plays a stylish military officer with grace and charm. Arvind Swamy delivers a good performance too, while Boman Irani is just about okay, as his character feels underdeveloped. The rest of the cast offers good support.

Tanvi The Great is an inspirational story that could have been even more impactful with tighter execution.

Rating : ***

By Keerti Kadam