‘Tanvi: The Great’ Delivers a Quietly Powerful Story of Resilience
In a time when movies are often loud with action and emotion, Anupam Kher’s return to directing, ‘Tanvi: The Great,’ arrives as a gentle yet powerful film. The film, which opened in theatres on July 18, tells the story of an autistic girl’s journey to honour her late father’s dream, moving audiences with its restraint and heartfelt sincerity rather than melodrama.
A Journey of Connection and Discovery
The story centers on Tanvi (played by newcomer Shubhangi Dutt), a young girl with autism living in Delhi. When her mother Vidya (Pallavi Joshi), an expert on autism, must travel to the US for a conference, Tanvi is sent to stay with her maternal grandfather, Colonel Raina (Anupam Kher), in the quiet military town of Lansdowne. A disciplined, retired army officer, Raina initially struggles to understand his granddaughter’s world, leading to moments of friction.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Tanvi discovers a video of her late father, a soldier who wished to salute the Indian flag at Siachen. This discovery ignites a quiet determination within her: she decides she will join the Army to complete the mission her father could not. This sets the stage for a journey that is not just about fulfilling a dream, but also about forging an unbreakable bond between a grandfather and his granddaughter.
Performances That Resonate
The film’s emotional core is anchored by its exceptional cast. Shubhangi Dutt delivers a remarkable debut performance, embodying Tanvi with an untrained honesty that feels deeply authentic. Anupam Kher masterfully portrays Colonel Raina, balancing the character’s initial rigidity with a growing, tender warmth.
The supporting cast adds significant depth. Jackie Shroff shines as Brigadier Joshi, and Arvind Swamy brings a strong, serious presence to the role of Major Srinivasan, a trainer grappling with his own past. Boman Irani adds a charming presence, while brief but impactful appearances by Nassar and Iain Glen of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame round out the strong ensemble.
The Power of Understated Storytelling
What truly distinguishes ‘Tanvi: The Great’ is its emotional intelligence and confidence in simplicity. Director Anupam Kher, returning to the director's chair after two decades, avoids emotional manipulation. The film uses silence, meaningful glances, and quiet moments to convey its most profound themes. The military setting of Lansdowne provides a fitting backdrop, but the focus remains on the human connections. It is a story about family, friendship, and mentorship, not overt patriotism or conflict.
At nearly 160 minutes, the film takes its time, but it uses this length to carefully develop its complex themes of grief, acceptance, and resilience. In the end, ‘Tanvi: The Great’ is more than a story about a girl with autism. It’s a film that challenges perceptions about ability and courage, leaving a lasting emotional echo long after the credits roll. It proves that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones that don’t need to shout to be heard.
