Anupam Kher’s directorial comeback Tanvi The Great released in Indian theatres on July 18, 2025, but its box office debut was underwhelming. The emotional drama, which attempts to weave a narrative around autism and the Indian Army, collected only ₹40 lakh on its first day, as per early estimates from Sacnilk. Despite an ensemble of respected actors including Pallavi Joshi, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, and Arvind Swami, the film struggled to attract strong footfalls, recording only a 14.41% occupancy in Hindi-speaking markets.

While Tanvi The Great didn’t make waves commercially, it received warm applause at international film festivals like Cannes and the New York Indian Film Festival. The film was appreciated for its emotional depth and message of inclusivity, with critics abroad praising the performances and direction. Anupam Kher, speaking about the movie, expressed hope that viewers would leave the theatre “a little kinder.”

The film follows the story of Tanvi, a young girl navigating life with autism in the backdrop of an Indian Army household. While the premise holds promise, critics pointed out that the execution leans heavily on emotional dramatization. India Today’s review noted the film “begins with a spark” but ultimately relies on predictable tropes, missing the subtle nuances that could have made Tanvi’s story more compelling and authentic.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Oscar-winner MM Keeravani, adds emotional richness and gravitas to the narrative. Backed by Anupam Kher Studios and NFDC, and distributed globally by Excel Entertainment and AA Films, the film had strong industry support with names like Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Anil Thadani behind the release.

Despite the slow start, the team remains hopeful that positive word-of-mouth and its emotional message will help the film gain traction over the weekend. Tanvi The Great may not have opened big, but its heart is in the right place a fact not lost on those who value cinema for more than just its numbers.