The story revolves around a young girl named Tanvi Raina who is on the spectrum. She sets out to fulfill her late father’s dream, to salute the Indian flag at the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. Played by debutant Shubhangi Dutt, Tanvi’s journey is gentle, determined, and highly motivating. As a newcomer, Shubhangi brings raw authenticity to the role. Her performance isn’t just convincing, it stays with you beyond the credit rolls. She is Tanvi.
Tanvi’s father, Capt. Samar Pratap Raina, played with quiet intensity by Karan Tacker, is killed in a mine explosion on his way to Siachen. Though his screen time is brief, Karan’s presence lingers throughout the film. His scenes, through flashbacks and memory, form the emotional core of Tanvi’s mission.
Pallavi Joshi, as Tanvi’s mother, delivers a strong performance which also feels like a warm hug. She carries the emotional depth of the film’s message with grace. She adds the importance for awareness, acceptance, and empathy towards those on the spectrum.
And then there’s Col. Pratap Raina, Tanvi’s grandfather, played by Anupam Kher himself. He’s every bit the tough, coconut-shelled Indian grandfather. He is that typical grandad who is tough on the outside yet full of warmth within. His on-screen “Jugalbandhi” with Shubhangi Dutt blends smoothly balancing the humour and unspoken understanding between them.
The film doesn’t stay heavy throughout though, there are a few gentle pockets of humor here & there. Boman Irani, as Tanvi’s eccentric music teacher Raza Hussain Sahab, brings comic relief and a spark of warmth to the narrative. His scenes are both heartwarming and entertaining.
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Arvind Swamy is also a very crucial part of the ensemble. He is Major Srinivasan in the film who is a friend of Capt. Raina (Karan Tacker), and steps in as the guiding light for Tanvi as she aims to enrol herself in the Indian Armed Forces. His character seamlessly highlights the importance of teaching and its impact in someone else’s life. Also making appearances at crucial junctures are Jackie Shroff and Nassar. Both the veterans lend depth to the military framework that the film tried showcasing.
On the global front, Iain Glen (famously known for his character Ser Jorah Mormont from Game of Thrones) is in the film for a small moment but gives the film a subtle international colour.
From its stirring patriotic tone to its emotional core, Tanvi the Great touches something rare, it tells a story about the Indian Army through the lens of inclusion. It’s a film about autism, yes, but not defined by it. It’s about going beyond the limits, honouring someone’s dreams, and redefining what bravery looks like.
Let’s also highlight some of the flaws though. While the message is moving, the CGI leaves room for improvement, particularly in sequences set in difficult terrains. The second half feels a bit stretched, and a few too many songs affect the film’s pace. But these are minor hurdles in an otherwise courageous and heartfelt effort.
Tanvi the Great is a film with its heart in the right place. It celebrates resilience, questions societal limitations, and salutes not just the army, but every person who dares to dream differently. It makes you giggle, it moves you to tears, and most importantly, it makes you ponder.
A worthy weekend watch.