Date: July 17, 2025
Venue: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Mumbai
Yesterday evening, Bollywood’s hallowed halls at NMACC were alive with stars, filmmakers, and dignitaries who came together for the Mumbai premiere of “Tanvi The Great”—a stirring, inspirational drama directed by Anupam Kher. Amid the glitz and glamor, one moment stood out above all: the deeply emotional speech delivered by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. A mentor, maestro, and longtime friend to Anupam, Bhatt’s words resonated with nostalgia, pride, and an unmistakable sense of legacy.
🎥 A Reunion That Came Full Circle
Bhatt began by tracing back to 41 years ago, reminiscing about the day a young and ambitious Anupam Kher knocked on his door. That moment led to the making of Saaransh (1984), a film that not only marked Kher’s acting debut but also cemented Bhatt’s reputation as a visionary director. At the premiere, Bhatt shared:
“Who says the age of miracles is over? This boy knocked at my door 41 years ago… There was something my heart saw. The character we created in Saaransh, BV Pradhan, is this man today.” Wikipedia+12Mid-day+12The Times of India+12The Times of India
He further described “Tanvi The Great” as an “extension of the spirit of Saaransh.” Both films, he suggested, are deeply emotional explorations of human strength, trust, and resilience. Bhatt admitted:
“There’s nothing more gratifying for a mentor than seeing his prodigy outshine him.” The Times of India
The emotional resonance in his voice moved many attendees to tears. His words weren’t just about nostalgia—they spoke of a lifetime of mentorship, brotherhood, and faith in shared artistic journeys.
🎤 About the Film: Championing Dreams, Diversity & Patriotism
“Tanvi The Great” follows the journey of Tanvi Raina, portrayed by debutant Shubhangi Dutt, a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum, determined to fulfill her late father's dream: hoisting the Indian flag atop the Siachen Glacier . Crafted by director-writer Anupam Kher, along with screenplay writers Ankur Suman and Abhishek Dixit, the film weaves familial bonds, inclusion, and patriotic fervor into a cinematic tapestry BollySpice+10Wikipedia+10Moneycontrol+10.
The cast includes stalwarts like Anupam Kher (playing Tanvi’s grandfather, Col. Pratap Raina), Pallavi Joshi (Vidya, her mother), Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Karan Tacker, Iain Glen, and Nassar LatestLY+9Wikipedia+9The Hawk+9.
🌍 International Reception & Star Power
The film's journey began at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered at the Marche du Film. Anupam Kher conveyed gratitude:
“The film was received with love and warmth. We'll see you again with another film… Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” Mid-day+2The Hawk+2Moneycontrol+2
It was also screened at the New York Indian Film Festival and garnered resounding responses in Houston and Austin, earning standing ovations Deccan Herald+1FilmiBeat+1. Back home, Bollywood icons rallied behind Kher: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Anil Kapoor extended their public encouragement following the trailer launch Bollywood Hungama+2Mid-day+2Mid-day+2.
🌟 Premiere Night at NMACC: A Star-Studded Affair
The Mumbai screening was nothing short of spectacular. Held at the cutting-edge Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, the event featured a dazzling attendance lineup:
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The entire ensemble cast: Anupam Kher, Shubhangi Dutt, Pallavi Joshi, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Karan Tacker, Iain Glen, and Nassar BollySpice+9FilmiBeat+9Wikipedia+9.
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Bollywood luminaries: Mahesh Bhatt, Karan Johar, Kangana Ranaut, Vicky Kaushal, Suniel Shetty, Vidya Balan, David Dhawan, and many others .
The presence of Mahesh Bhatt, who rarely attends such screenings unless deeply moved, underscored the emotional depth of the film and the strength of the personal bond between director and mentor.
💡 Music & Emotional Undercurrents
The film’s original score, composed by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravaani, struck a poignant chord at both the trailer launch and the premiere. During the trailer event, Keeravaani performed the classic track “Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari…” from Kaagaz Ke Phool, bringing tears to many eyes Bollywood Hungama+1Moneycontrol+1. His reflections on nostalgia and legacy complemented the film’s themes beautifully.
🩺 Representation, Inclusion and Social Impact
“Tanvi The Great” isn’t just a film—it’s part of a broader social conversation on neurodiversity and inclusivity:
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The lead character’s autism is handled with sensitivity and realism, avoiding stereotypes.
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The narrative reinforces the message: “Different but no less.” The Times of India+13Moneycontrol+13Deccan Herald+13
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Political leaders, like Delhi’s Chief Minister, praised its potential as “inspirational and heart-touching,” advocating screenings for young audiences LatestLY.
Cinema’s role in shaping empathy and awareness is clear—and this film steps up to that responsibility.
🤝 Legacy of a Mentorship
Bhatt's emotional speech highlighted a rare mentor-protégé relationship that spans over four decades. From Saaransh to today’s premiere, the arc reflects mutual respect and shared cinematic vision. Bhatt’s words were more than a nostalgic look back—they were validation of Anupam Kher’s growth and enduring relevance as a storyteller.
📅 What Comes Next for “Tanvi The Great”
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Worldwide release: Friday, July 18, 2025.
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Distribution: Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar & Ritesh Sidhwani) and AA Films (Anil Thadani) The Times of IndiaFilmiBeat.
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Promotional tour: A London premiere is expected next, following the Cannes and Mumbai receptions.
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Awards potential: Given its festival pedigree and compelling subject matter, it’s being viewed as a contender in awards circuits.
🎯 In Summary: Why This Premiere Will Be Remembered
| Key Highlight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Mahesh Bhatt’s Speech | A testament to the power of mentorship and legacy in Bollywood. |
| Cross-Cultural Appeal | From Cannes to Texas, the film speaks to diverse audiences. |
| Neurodiversity Representation | Challenges stigma and sparks important conversations. |
| Star Power & Artistic Credibility | Supported by veterans like Bachchan, Johaar, and more. |
This isn’t just another red-carpet event—it's a celebration of cinema's ability to inspire, include, and invoke empathy.
✅ Final Thoughts
Mahesh Bhatt’s emotional presence at the premiere wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was a living affirmation of cinema’s journey, from Saaransh to Tanvi The Great. Their intertwined paths illustrate how art, mentorship, and storytelling can create generational impacts.
For audiences, it’s more than a film—it’s a reminder of dreams, resilience, and the bonds that shape our creative world. Whether you’re drawn to its emotional core, its representation of autism, or its cinematic pedigree, “Tanvi The Great” is poised to be one of Bollywood’s most meaningful releases this year.
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