We have become insanely numb to the crimes against women. Every day, there are tons of of r*pe and se*xual assault cases that make headlines. We read them, express a little anger and move on. It’s a like a robotic cycle of emotions, and it’s a disturbing sign of how we have normalised these heinous crimes. Anubhav Sinha’s film Assi forces us to stop and question our conscience. It’s a reminder that r*pes are not headlines, it’s a reality and a courtroom verdict is not enough justice. Starring Taapsee Pannu, Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Naseeruddin Shah, Assi is a compelling courtroom drama which has some brutal reality checks that the society desperately needs!
Plot
The first five minutes sets the tone of the film. Assi follows a harrowing case of gang-r*pe. The victim Parima (Kani Kusruti) is a school teacher who is abducted by five men and assaulted inside a moving car. Parima’s lawyer Raavi (Taapsee Pannu) represents her in the court as the case unfolds. The film further delves deeper into the investigation, the realistic courtroom arguments, the shame and guilt that the victims are subjected too. Assi exposes the deeply-embedded patriarchy in our society through subtle moments and also the glaring loopholes in the justice system.
It’s Important!
Why the name Assi? Because statistically, a rape case is reported every 20 minutes, so that is 80 in a day. But these are just the ones that are reported, imagine the countless others that don’t even make it to the police register? The film reminds us of this harsh reality every 20 minutes with a striking red screen. Anubhav Sinha’s film has some bone-chilling moments which captures the gravity of the situation. The director chooses not to soften or sensationalise an inhumane crime like g*ng rape. As a woman, it was certainly disturbing and uncomfortable and it’s a reminder, again, of the scary world we navigate every single day. TBH, it’s bravery that the women and girls continue to live and work in a world they know is far from safe. Tears rolled down my face as I watched Parima’s helplessness unfold on screen.The moment when Parima gives her statement before the court explaining how everything changed inside her after the incident and yet when she looks at the mirror, everything was same. This exact moment is devastating to watch. It literally hurts.
We often forget that the little kids, the future, are watching us. They observe every move and every mistake that we make as adults. Assi effectively sends across this message to the adults- Do better. There is a POV of Parima’s son in the film. The kid’s curiosity, questions about what happened to his mother and why, and those innocent eyes as he tries to understand the chaotic world, all of it is so hard-hitting. Let someone hold us accountable for the world we are shaping. And if not this, I seriously don’t know what. There is a scene where Parima’s husband (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) tells their son that there are mostly good people in the world, and the kid without any hesitation asks “Pucca?” (Are you sure). The father quietly and honestly responds- “No.”
The courtroom arguments was also very strongly presented in the film. A realistic protrayal of how survivors are subjected to uncomfortable questioning from the prosecution. Nothing feels dramatised or exaggerated. A monologue by Raavi is particularly well-placed and makes for a thought-provoking moment.
In subtle moments, we are reminded how women bear the brunt of patriarchy unknowingly, how men are raised in society and how wrong parenting, normalised misogyny and entitlement can destroy multiple lives.
Taapsee Pannu as Raavi has a strong on-screen presence and she embodies the anger of countless women. Kani Kusruti is simply flawless and delivers a restrained performance. Revathy as the judge brings emotional weight to the courtroom. The entire cast delivers nuanced performances, they come together to make Assi a compelling and urgent watch!
Flaw
Anubhav Sinha’s Assi also deals with a subplot around “Chhatri Man” who takes up the responsibility to remove the evil-elements of society. This sub-plot raises some moral question- if the system fails, is it right to take laws into one’s own hands? However, this sub-plot is not seamlessly integrated in the plot, which occasionally distracts us from the courtroom narrative.
Also Read: UP Gang R*pe Case: Woman Files FIR Alleging Husband Sold Her For 1000 Rs To His Friends
Verdict
Anubhav Sinha’s Assi starring Taapsee Pannu and Kani Kusruti is an important watch simply because it confronts an issue that concerns women, and which as society we often choose to overlook. If nothing, for at least those 2 hours, it forces us to care. Assi will release in theatres on February 20, 2026.