There are four Bollywood movies releasing on July 18, 2025. Saiyaara, Tanvi The Great, Nikita Roy, and Murderbaad. Anupam Kher returns as the director after two decades with Tanvi The Great. It is a deeply moving drama that quietly grabs your heart and never lets go. The film stars debutante Shubhangi Dutt in the titular role, alongside Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani, Arvind Swamy, Jackie Shroff, and Nassar—a solid ensemble that lends emotional heft to this story.
At its core, Tanvi The Great is not just about autism or patriotism—it’s a layered story about understanding, loss, courage, and quiet resilience. It doesn’t rely on noise or melodrama to make its point. Instead, it whispers its way into your soul and leaves a lasting impact.
Tanvi The Great Story
Set between bustling Delhi and the peaceful military town of Lansdowne in Uttarakhand, the story follows Tanvi, a young autistic girl with a gentle spirit and a silent storm brewing within. When her mother, Vidya (played beautifully by Pallavi Joshi), has to attend a conference in the US, Tanvi is left in the care of her grandfather, Colonel Raina (Anupam Kher)—a proud, regimented army man who has no idea how to handle her condition.
What begins as a series of missteps and misunderstandings soon evolves into a heartwarming bond. Tanvi’s world slowly starts making sense to Raina, and just when you think this might be the film’s emotional peak, comes a twist. Tanvi finds a video message from her late father, a soldier who died with a dream of saluting the Indian flag at Siachen. That one moment changes everything. Tanvi decides to fulfil the dream her father couldn’t. And that’s where this becomes not just a story of autism, but of an undying spirit.
Tanvi The Great Review
There’s a rare honesty in Tanvi The Great that you don’t often see in mainstream Hindi cinema anymore. The film doesn’t try to be larger-than-life—it’s the little moments that speak the loudest. Director Anupam Kher has poured his heart into this one. Unlike his last directorial, Om Jai Jagdish, this film feels far more confident, mature, and sure of its voice.
What works brilliantly here is the film’s emotional intelligence. It doesn’t spoon-feed. It doesn’t dramatise. It simply lets the story breathe. The picturesque backdrop of Lansdowne adds serenity without ever overpowering the narrative. Whether it’s the emotional beats, the subtle humour, or the beautifully underplayed scenes between Tanvi and her grandfather, the film keeps it grounded and heartfelt throughout.
There are a few moments that stretch a tad long, and yes, the runtime (160 minutes) is on the heavier side, but not once does the film feel like it’s losing its grip. Every beat feels earned. Every tear feels honest.
Tanvi The Great Performances
Let’s just say this: Shubhangi Dutt is an absolute revelation. She doesn’t perform, she simply is Tanvi. There’s a natural charm and vulnerability in her portrayal that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Anupam Kher, as the rigid-yet-evolving grandfather, delivers a career-best performance in many ways. His eyes carry guilt, pride, fear, and eventually, love, without needing too many words. Pallavi Joshi brings quiet strength as Vidya, the mother who knows how to fight for her child without making noise.
In smaller but impactful roles, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swamy, Boman Irani, and Nassar leave their mark. And yes, the surprise cameo by Iain Glen (of Game of Thrones fame) is an unexpected yet welcome touch of international flair.
Final Verdict
Tanvi The Great is not just a film—it’s an experience. It reminds you that cinema still has the power to heal, to comfort, and to make you reflect. It speaks to anyone who’s ever loved a child, misunderstood someone, or carried the weight of unfulfilled dreams.
With a heartfelt narrative, restrained direction, and powerful performances, this is one of the most quietly powerful films we’ve seen in a while. It’s a story about autism, yes—but more than that, it’s about connection, empathy, and purpose.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
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