The new film “Tanvi The Great,” directed by Anupam Kher, will be released exclusively in cinemas, mirroring the approach taken by Aamir Khan Sitaare Zameen Par theatrical release, both notable for portraying autism and declining OTT deals. The decision was announced at a Mumbai trailer launch attended by key industry figures, highlighting how these films seek audience engagement through the big screen experience before considering streaming options.
Inspiration Behind Tanvi The Great
The origin of “Tanvi The Great” lies in a moving personal story shared by Anupam Kher at the event, which also featured Jackie Shroff, Pallavi Joshi, Arvind Swami, Karan Tacker, M M Keeravani, and newcomer Shubhangi. Anupam Kher recalled a pivotal moment with his niece that inspired the film’s theme of autism.
4 years ago, I was in Gurgaon attending the wedding of my brother Raju’s daughter, Vrinda. Everybody was dancing and having fun. My 13-year-old niece, Tanvi, who’s now 17 and is autistic, was standing at the corner and looking at the mountains. I asked her, ‘Tanvi, what are you looking at?’ She replied, ‘I am looking at my world’. That statement shook me a little as she could not explain what her world was. I also could not understand what her world is. That gave me the germ of the film.
—Anupam Kher, Director
Challenges in Production and Support from the Cast
Anupam Kher discussed significant obstacles the production faced, particularly financial setbacks that emerged shortly before shooting began. He emphasized that the support of his actors played a crucial role in sustaining the project during uncertain times.
An incident happened. My financier pulled out of the project a month before the film was to go on floors. But all my actors said, ‘Jab paise honge tab de dena, kya fark padta hai’! That is so heartening for a director-producer who is just trying to tell a story which is personal to me.
—Anupam Kher, Director
Reasons for Theatrical Focus over OTT Release
Kher addressed why “Tanvi The Great” will not be available on streaming services at launch, referencing advice received about the film’s length and the intention to prioritize a theater-first release.
Anil Thadani had a valid point of view that I had made a very long film. That’s also the reason we have not decided yet on the OTT platform. We want the audience to first come to cinemas. That’s why I hope that people here (the media) will spread the word and the audience will then eventually come in. This is also the reason we first showed the film abroad. Jab wahaan se taareef milti hai, toh yahaan ke log zyada impress hote hai!
—Anupam Kher, Director
The choice to delay or forgo OTT distribution echoes the recent path of Aamir Khan’s “Sitaare Zameen Par,” another film addressing autism. Both movies signal a shift in priorities among Indian filmmakers, favoring cinematic debuts over immediate streaming releases to encourage collective audience experiences and foster discussion around sensitive topics.
Anticipation Builds for “Tanvi The Great”
“Tanvi The Great” is scheduled to open in cinemas on July 18, with expectations of drawing attention to both its powerful storytelling and the increasing trend of exclusive theatrical premieres for major Bollywood releases. This approach aims to build momentum at the box office before any decisions about streaming platforms are made, reinforcing the impact of shared viewings for significant films led by figures like Anupam Kher and Aamir Khan.
