Anupam Kher on Tanvi The Great premiering at Cannes 2025: Was waiting for 23 years to helm another film

Anupam Kher’s “Tanvi The Great” to Premiere at Cannes: A Bold New Vision in Indian Cinema

Actor Anupam Kher, widely recognized for his versatile performances in both Bollywood and Hollywood, is all set to make his return to the director’s chair after more than two decades with his latest project, Tanvi The Great. This film will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, which is a significant milestone for both Kher and Indian cinema. The film’s debut at such a renowned global platform underscores the evolving stature of Indian cinema on the international stage.

Anupam Kher’s journey to this moment has been a long one. While he has acted in numerous films and international projects, including the critically acclaimed Silver Linings Playbook (2012), his last directorial venture, Om Jai Jagdish, came out 23 years ago. Kher reflects on this long break from directing, noting that he was waiting for the right story to tell, one that resonated deeply with him. This time, Kher felt it was important to create a film that reflected his own vision, a story that had roots in India but also appealed to a global audience.

“I wanted the film’s journey to start from the Maha Kumbh of cinema – Cannes,” Kher said in a recent interview, referring to the Cannes Film Festival as the pinnacle for any filmmaker. He emphasized that Tanvi The Great is a film that transcends cultural boundaries. It tells an Indian story, but its themes are universal, making it accessible and relevant to audiences worldwide. “The film has an Indian character, but it’s a universal film,” Kher explains. This international appeal, combined with the film’s Indian roots, is what Kher believes will make it stand out on the global stage.

A Personal Project

Kher has been clear that this film is a deeply personal project for him. “After Om Jai Jagdish, I didn’t direct any film because I didn’t feel the need to. I wanted to make a film that came from within me, something that felt right,” Kher says. The film’s journey, he believes, should start from a place that truly matters — Cannes, where it will be presented in front of an international audience. Kher is willing to invest heavily in ensuring that the film reaches its full potential. “I am spending money, taking actors there (to Cannes) – it’s a huge cost. But I want to put the film on a pedestal,” he says.

Kher’s commitment to bringing Tanvi The Great to international audiences is evident not only in his words but also in his actions. He emphasizes that making the film is not just about financial success but about showcasing Indian cinema on a grand stage. “When you are making the film with passion, you want it to be seen by the world. This is not just another Bollywood film; this is my contribution to global cinema,” he adds.

The Global Appeal of Indian Cinema

The global perception of Indian films has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. With films like All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia making waves at international film festivals, Kher acknowledges that there has been a shift in how global audiences view Indian cinema. “The perception of Indian films has definitely changed. It’s not just about bursting into songs anymore,” Kher says. He points to the involvement of internationally renowned professionals in the making of Tanvi The Great as an example of the film’s broad appeal.

The film features two Oscar-winning talents—MM Keeravani, the composer behind the iconic score of RRR, and Resul Pookutty, the sound designer who won an Academy Award for his work on Slumdog Millionaire. These notable collaborators highlight Kher’s ambition to create a film that speaks to a global audience, using the best talent from both India and abroad. The film’s Director of Photography (DoP) is Japanese, further reflecting Kher’s commitment to bringing together diverse talents from all over the world.

The Musical Aspect of Tanvi The Great

Anupam Kher describes Tanvi The Great as a musical, drawing comparisons to the timeless classic The Sound of Music (1965). He hopes to change the common misconception that all Indian films are musicals simply because they often feature song-and-dance sequences. “People think Indian films are musical just because we burst into songs. But that’s not the case. The film is a musical in the sense that it tells its story through music and emotion, not just random songs,” Kher explains.

This unique approach to the musical genre is part of what makes Tanvi The Great stand out. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about using music as a storytelling tool to convey deep emotions and universal themes. Kher believes this will be an essential element in connecting with international audiences who are more accustomed to films where music enhances the narrative, rather than simply acting as an addition to the spectacle.

A Bold Step for Indian Cinema

The decision to premiere Tanvi The Great at Cannes speaks volumes about Kher’s belief in the film’s potential. For Kher, this isn’t just about getting recognition for himself or his film. It’s about taking Indian cinema to the global stage and showing the world that Indian filmmakers can create stories that resonate universally.

“I am not comparing myself to great filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, but when you make a film with passion, you make it for the cinema, not for the money or the prestige,” Kher asserts. He hopes that by doing this, he can inspire others in the Indian film industry to think beyond regional boundaries and create stories that are both Indian in essence and universal in appeal.

Looking Forward: The Cannes Premiere and Beyond

As Tanvi The Great makes its debut at Cannes, Kher is focused on the journey that lies ahead. He’s excited about the possibilities that Cannes presents and is eager to see how the film is received by international audiences. “It will be interesting to see the journey of the film from Cannes. I’m ready to start the PR campaign with a bang,” Kher says, eagerly anticipating the film’s reception.

The Cannes premiere will be a significant moment for both Kher and Indian cinema, marking a new era for the industry. As Tanvi The Great makes its mark on the world stage, Kher is hopeful that it will inspire more Indian filmmakers to take their stories to global platforms and prove that Indian cinema has a place at the international table.

Conclusion

Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great is more than just a film—it’s a statement. It’s a testament to the growth of Indian cinema and its increasing recognition on the global stage. Kher’s commitment to telling an Indian story with universal appeal, combined with his efforts to bring together international talent, signals a new chapter in India’s film industry. As the film makes its world premiere at Cannes, Kher hopes it will inspire both audiences and filmmakers to think beyond borders, showcasing that great cinema has the power to connect people across cultures and continents.