ASSI movie reviews

Anubhav Sinha’s Assi, which released on February 20, 2026, is a heavy-hitting courtroom drama that takes a sharp, unflinching look at India’s rape crisis and the systemic rot that surrounds it. The title itself—Assi (meaning 80)—refers to the grim statistic of eighty reported sexual assaults in India every day.

The Plot & Themes

The story follows Parima (Kani Kusruti), a Malayali school teacher living in Delhi with her husband Vinay (Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub) and their young son. After being abducted and gang-raped by five men in a moving car, Parima is left to navigate a harrowing legal battle.

Taapsee Pannu stars as Raavi, a steely and cynical lawyer who takes up Parima's case. Unlike typical "heroic" legal dramas, Assi focuses on the grueling reality of a system where evidence is easily tampered with, DNA samples don't match, and the accused use societal indifference to their advantage.

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Cast Performances

The film is being praised primarily for its ensemble cast:

• Kani Kusruti: Critics have called her the "soul" of the film, delivering a devastatingly effective performance as a survivor who refuses to be shamed.

• Taapsee Pannu: Returning to the "black coat" after Mulk, she is noted for her maturity and "steely resolve."

• Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub: He plays the husband with a quiet, supportive strength that subverts traditional "masculine" tropes in Indian cinema.

• Supporting Cast: Stalwarts like Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Revathy (as the judge) provide grounded, high-quality performances.

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Critical Consensus

Aspect	Reception
Direction	Anubhav Sinha is praised for his "audacious" and "sharpened" syntax, though some critics feel he occasionally loses focus with side subplots.
Tone	Unflinching and unsettling. It is not a "comfortable" watch and is designed to provoke anger and discomfort.
Pacing	The first half is described as a gripping thriller, while the second half (the legal battle) is seen by some as slightly inconsistent or wandering.
Rating	Generally hovering between 3.0 to 4.0 stars depending on the publication.

Should You Watch It?

• Watch it if: You appreciate socially conscious cinema like Pink, Mulk, or Thappad. It’s a powerful interrogation of everyday patriarchy and institutional complicity.

• Skip it if: You are sensitive to depictions of sexual violence or are looking for lighthearted entertainment. The film is intentionally disturbing and triggering.

As the film puts it, silence is not an option, but it also offers no easy answers or neat resolutions.