“Tanvi The Great” tells the heartwarming story of a young woman with autism who sets out to achieve her late father’s dream of joining the Indian Army.
An Unconventional Dream
The film ventures into rarely explored territory in Bollywood by centering its narrative on Tanvi, a young woman living with autism. Played by Shubhangi Dutt, Tanvi decides to pursue an seemingly impossible goal: joining the Indian Army and saluting the flag at the formidable Siachen outpost, a dream once held by her father.
This mission becomes her driving force, leading her to her grandfather, Colonel Raina, played by Anupam Kher. The film explores whether he will help or hinder her ambitious quest.
Navigating Life with Autism
We meet Tanvi as she adjusts to a new environment, temporarily living with her grandfather in Lansdowne while her mother, an autism expert, is abroad. Her transition isn’t seamless, but the film shows her surprising ability to navigate human interactions, a significant challenge for many on the autism spectrum.
While the plot takes some implausible leaps, Shubhangi Dutt delivers a commendable performance, portraying the complexities of her character within a mainstream film format.
Anupam Kher’s Dual Role
Anupam Kher not only plays the pivotal role of Colonel Raina but also returns to direction after over two decades. His directorial approach is refreshingly direct, especially in the first half.
Initially, his character, the grandfather, expresses trepidation about “handling” Tanvi. However, this clinical approach gradually transforms into a much warmer, genuine connection, showcasing a beautiful journey of acceptance and understanding.
The Supporting Ensemble
The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Boman Irani as a music teacher, Arvind Swamy as a tough Army trainer, Jackie Shroff as a senior official, and Nassar as a benevolent recruitment officer. Even “Game of Thrones” actor Iain Glen makes an appearance.
While these characters are somewhat sketchily drawn, their primary purpose is to serve as enablers for Tanvi, helping her on her path to achieving her ambitious dreams.
A Heartfelt, Yet Flawed Journey
“Tanvi The Great” undoubtedly has a big heart, celebrating neurodivergence much like other recent films. However, it grapples with questions of realism, particularly regarding whether a person with autism could genuinely join the armed forces.
The narrative occasionally veers into patriotic overtones and some highly exaggerated scenarios, making certain achievements difficult to swallow. For instance, Tanvi, who struggles with a doorsill, is seen leaping into a car teetering on a cliff edge.
Despite these narrative exaggerations, the film leaves viewers rooting for Tanvi’s journey and her message of perseverance.
- The film explores the rarely seen topic of autism in Bollywood.
- Shubhangi Dutt’s portrayal of Tanvi is commendable despite plot constraints.
- Anupam Kher delivers a strong performance and demonstrates a restrained directorial style.
- It’s a heartwarming story about acceptance and pursuing dreams against all odds.
Ultimately, “Tanvi The Great” aims to leave its viewers with a powerful sentiment of warmth and acceptance.
