Ever watched a film that makes you wear your heart on your sleeve? Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, is one such attempt. Yes, it has its share of flaws, some hard to ignore, but its heart is in the right place. While it may not scream “big-screen experience,” it’s the kind of film that might find its true audience on OTT. That’s the first thought I had as I sat by the window, replaying scenes in my head. Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
The Plot
At its core, Tanvi The Great tells the story of a young autistic girl named Tanvi, played by newcomer Shubhangi Dutt, who believes she is “different but not less.” After losing her father, Capt. Samar Raina (Karan Tacker), at a young age, Tanvi is raised by her mother, Vidya Raina (Pallavi Joshi), who is now heading to New York for autism-related research. Unable to take Tanvi along, she leaves her in the care of her grandfather, retired Col. Pratap Raina (Anupam Kher).Col. Pratap Raina believes Tanvi is abnormal and finds it difficult to deal with her. Meanwhile, Tanvi decides to join the army after watching a video of her late father, in which he expresses a wish to salute the Indian flag at the Siachen base camp. Col. Raina knows Tanvi can’t join the army, and the story takes a turn when she joins a training camp. What follows is her struggle to achieve her dream, with a final twist that’s best left unspoiled.
Performances
Anupam Kher, as Captain Raina, is every bit the seasoned performer. He brings warmth and tenderness to the role of a conflicted grandfather, earning a few tears along the way. But as a director, he doesn’t quite hit the mark. The film suffers from uneven pacing, unnecessary scenes, and a lack of narrative restraint. Just when you think it’s about to end, another scene drags it forward.
