September 25, 2025

Lights, camera, heartbreak! When Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara and Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great clashed at the theatres in 2025, only one film could shine. Saiyaara, a breezy love story backed by Yash Raj Films, stormed the box office with over Rs 569 crore worldwide, winning the hearts of young audiences instantly. But poor Tanvi The Great, Kher’s passion project, couldn’t keep up and quietly disappeared despite deep emotions and critical praise. Anupam Kher wore many hats for Tanvi The Great – actor, writer, and director. He spent four long years on this heartfelt drama, launching newbie Shubhangi Dutt from his acting school. The film even made a glamorous appearance at Cannes and impressed international viewers. Yet, when release day came, the timing turned sour. "It was completely wiped out," Anupam Kher told Indian Express, revealing how the failure hit him like a thunderbolt. He felt "depressed" not just for himself but also for the young actor and the 200 people who poured their heart into the film. The crowd’s craze for Saiyaara’s youthful romance pushed Tanvi off most big screens despite its 400-screen rollout. Adding fuel to fire, just weeks before release, the original financer pulled out. But Kher’s fighting spirit shone bright. He roped in friends, doctors, lawyers, and well-wishers to save the film in a last-minute cash scramble. Tanvi The Great still reached Cannes, New York (where Hollywood star Robert De Niro watched till the interval!), and even the President of India – true marks of its artistic value. How did Anupam Kher recover from this bitter setback? With his trademark grit and a smile! "Nothing is all wrong. Even a clock that has stopped running is correct twice a day," he quoted, showing his unshaken optimism. While the loss stung, he bore no grudge against Saiyaara’s team. In fact, the blockbuster’s production by the Aditya Chopra family made it easier for him to accept, given his long association with them. Anupam Kher’s journey with Tanvi The Great reminds all of us: sometimes, even great dreams collide with harsh reality. But true stars like Kher keep shining by choosing hope over despair, resilience over regret. After all, every setback is a setup for a spectacular comeback!

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Tags: Anupam kher, Tanvi the great, Saiyaara, Box office clash, Film failure, Resilience,