In an era where Bollywood is largely driven by spectacle and escapism, Assi arrives as a film that refuses to comfort its audience. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, this hard-hitting social drama starring Taapsee Pannu is not meant to thrill or amuse—it is meant to disturb, provoke, and force reflection. Rooted in the grim reality of sexual violence in India, Assi is an urgent watch that goes far beyond entertainment.

One of the strongest reasons to watch Assi is the powerful creative partnership between Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee Pannu. After Mulk and Thappad, this marks their third collaboration, completing a kind of thematic hat trick. Sinha’s ability to explore uncomfortable social truths with restraint and honesty blends seamlessly with Taapsee’s intense, emotionally grounded performances. Together, they create cinema that speaks directly to society rather than pandering to box-office formulas.

Another major strength of the film is its writing. The script has been penned by Gaurav Solanki, known for his work on Article 15. What makes Assi stand out is the fact that its promotional campaign highlighted the writer as the most valued contributor to the project—a rare acknowledgment in mainstream cinema. The narrative is layered, researched, and uncompromising, reflecting the seriousness of the subject it tackles.

The film’s very title sends chills down the spine. Assi is derived from the statistic that, on average, around 80 rape cases are reported in India every single day. The tagline—“80. Every day. Every day.”—sets the tone for what follows. The story examines not just the crime itself, but the aftermath: the survivor’s psychological trauma, society’s judgment, the legal maze, and the emotional isolation that often follows sexual violence.

Performances further elevate the film. Acclaimed Malayalam actress Kani Kusruti delivers a deeply moving portrayal of the survivor, Parima, earning widespread critical praise. Supporting roles by veterans like Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Zeeshan Ayyub, and Supriya Pathak add emotional weight and authenticity, making every scene feel painfully real.

Ultimately, Assi is not a film you watch casually. It doesn’t pair well with popcorn or light conversation. Instead, it confronts you with a bitter truth and holds up a mirror to society. It may leave you uncomfortable, angry, or shaken—but that is precisely its purpose. Assi is cinema that demands attention, empathy, and introspection, making it essential viewing for anyone who believes films can—and should—spark meaningful conversations.