I recently watched Tanvi the Great, a passion project by Anupam Kher, and went in expecting a deeply moving exploration of neurodiversity—something along the lines of Taare Zameen Par. The film begins with promise, introducing Tanvi, a young woman on the autism spectrum, played with sincerity by debutante Shubhangi Dutt.
Her character is thoughtfully built—her gestures, hesitations, and unique way of engaging with the world feel authentic and respectful. The emotional dynamics with her mother (Pallavi Joshi) and grandfather (Anupam Kher) offer glimpses into the everyday realities of living with autism.
But somewhere along the way, the narrative shifts.
What starts as a sensitive character study slowly gives way to familiar themes of patriotism and military valor. The focus drifts from Tanvi’s inner world to broader, more conventional storytelling about bravery and national pride. While these themes aren’t inherently problematic, they overshadow what could have been a rare, nuanced portrayal of neurodivergence.
I couldn’t help but think of films like Barfi!, Rain Man, and My Name is Khan—stories that stayed rooted in their characters while still addressing larger ideas. Tanvi the Great doesn’t quite strike that balance.
That said, it’s a well-intentioned film with heartfelt performances and a beautiful setting. It just feels like a missed opportunity to tell a more powerful, focused story.
Streaming now on Prime Video—worth a watch, but perhaps not one that lingers.
