Anubhav Sinha teams up again with Taapsee Pannu for Assi, a courtroom drama slated for a nationwide release on February 20, 2026. After the critical successes of Mulk and Thappad, the director‑actor duo promises another socially charged narrative, this time tackling sexual violence and the Indian justice system. Before you book your tickets, here’s a concise yet comprehensive Assi movie review that breaks down what works, where the film falters, and why it deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Story
The film opens with a harrowing visual: a woman abandoned on railway tracks after a brutal assault. The narrative then rewinds to introduce Parima (Kani Kusruti) and Vinay (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a seemingly ordinary couple living in a modest neighbourhood with their son Dhruv (Advik Jaiswal). Parima teaches at a local school, while Vinay manages a supermarket. Their routine existence shatters one night when five men hijack Parima’s return from work and subject her to a violent rape.
Enter Raavi (Taapsee Pannu), a tenacious lawyer determined to secure justice for Parima. The courtroom becomes the film’s arena, where legal strategy, moral conviction, and societal prejudice clash. While the verdict itself remains a narrative surprise, the film’s true purpose is to spark conversation about systemic failures and the resilience of survivors.
Performances
Taapsee Pannu delivers a measured, razor‑sharp performance as Raavi. Her controlled intensity shines brightest during cross‑examinations, where she balances empathy with an unflinching pursuit of truth. Kani Kusruti embodies Parima with quiet dignity, avoiding melodrama and allowing the audience to feel the trauma without theatrical excess.
Supporting actors Kumud Mishra and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub opt for restraint, letting facial cues and body language convey more than dialogue. This understated acting style adds weight to the film’s realistic tone, while Advik Jaiswal’s brief but effective turn as the couple’s son underscores the stakes of the legal battle.
Behind the Lens
The screenplay, penned by Gaurav Solanki, stands out as the film’s backbone. Its dialogue is purposeful, steering clear of gimmicks and instead prompting reflection on consent, victim‑blaming, and institutional apathy. Anubhav Sinha’s direction is confident and unapologetic; he steers the narrative with a clear moral compass, building tension methodically without resorting to cheap thrills.
Music composer (Ranjit Barot) crafts a background score that underscores the drama without overwhelming it, while the sound design lets courtroom ambience and subtle ambient noises amplify realism. The visual palette remains muted, reinforcing the film’s serious intent.
However, the second half drifts into slower territory. Pacing issues and under‑developed subplots dilute the momentum generated in the first act, making some character arcs feel incomplete. A tighter edit could have preserved the initial urgency throughout.
Final Verdict
Assi is a compelling mix of intent, solid performances, and assured direction. Despite a lagging second half and a few half‑baked side stories, the movie remains a resonant, thought‑provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll. For viewers seeking a socially relevant legal thriller anchored by Taapsee Pannu’s commanding presence, Assi is a must‑watch.
