Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great Gets A Thumbs Up From An Autistic Boy: ‘Deeply Moved’

Veteran actor Anupam Kher's latest directorial venture, Tanvi The Great, has touched hearts across the nation, but a recent review has particularly resonated with the film's team. The film, which released theatrically on July 18, 2025, tells the story of Tanvi, a young autistic woman with a dream of joining the Indian Army and honoring her deceased soldier father.

The film received a special acknowledgment from a young autistic boy who watched the film, and was deeply moved. Anupam Kher shared his reaction to this, stating that the positive feedback from the young boy was particularly meaningful.

Tanvi The Great explores themes of neurodiversity, patriotism, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams despite societal expectations. The film has Kher portraying the role of Pratap, Tanvi's grandfather, a man grappling with grief over his son's death and struggling to understand his granddaughter's condition. The narrative follows Tanvi’s journey as she strives to fulfill her father’s dream of saluting the Indian flag at the Siachen Glacier.

Shubhangi Dutt makes her debut as Tanvi, and the film highlights her determination to defy the odds. Tanvi The Great is produced by Anupam Kher Studio in association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The film attempts to raise awareness about autism and respect for the armed forces.

While some critics have pointed out the film's সরলীকরণ of the complexities of autism, and its tendency towards sentimentality, many have praised Kher's performance and the film's heartwarming message. Anupama Chopra noted Kher's restrained performance as the grandfather and the potential in the grandfather-granddaughter relationship depicted in the film. Other cast members include Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami and Iain Glen.

Kher, who last directed a movie in 2002 (Om Jai Jagadish), treats the subject gently and sensitively, though some possibilities on paper don't consistently translate to the screen. The music is composed by M.M. Keeravani, with cinematography by Keiko Nakahara.

Despite mixed reviews, the film's core message of hope and perseverance seems to be resonating with audiences, with the heartwarming response from the young autistic boy serving as a testament to the film's emotional impact.