Tanvi the Great

The tired cliches, like the Ge- Z caricature, could have been avoided to create a cast of authentic, relatable characters.

But it all comes together nicely, because the film's writing creates the right moments and expositions to support Tanvi's dream. What doesn't pass muster is the film's screenplay and the general mushy dialogue. Some setpieces in Tanvi's story feel a little too choreographed and staged. Here's a spirited girl who's defying all odds to pursue a dream, despite being different. She's not less than any other human and that part of this film is truly worthy of celebration. But there are often moments that play out like they're forcing sentimentality to the viewer at the expense of authenticity. Also, what doesn't help is the film's soundtrack and background music. Tanvi The Great's music all round is far from being good, at times it doesn't even feel serviceable.

Eventually, what Tanvi accomplishes is like a fairy tale. Shot with a kind of golden glow by Keiko Nakahara, with MM Keeravani’s music adding to the happy mood, Tanvi The Great is a gooey chocolate of a film – a bit too sweet but also feel-good. Anupam Kher’s performance is a highlight, with Raina building up a rapport with Tanvi that gets more charming as his mind opens to accept her strong will. Raina’s expression softens from irritation to empathy, with some help from his army buddy, Brigadier Joshi (Jackie Shroff in a pleasant cameo). Shubhangi does well as Tanvi, consistent in her portrayal of an autistic teenager whose determination takes her where she wants to go.

Kher is a good enough actor to keep us with him, even if he and his writing team dream up occasional exaggerations in place of realistic capabilities. There’s a post-interval meander, making us feel the stretch, while grappling with the question: can a person with autism join the forces? You see the film’s cutesy, simplistic arcs, but you also see that it has heart, just like the recent neurodivergence-celebrating ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, even if it keeps darting off into patriotic flourishes.