ASSI Trailer: Taapsee Pannu’s Powerful New Film Leaves Fans Shaken, Spotlight on Kani Kusruti

The trailer of Taapsee Pannu and Anubhav Sinha’s upcoming film ASSI has left audiences across the nation shaken. The gripping preview highlights a harsh social reality that is rarely discussed—the struggles of survivors of sexual violence and the daily horrors many women face.

In ASSI, Taapsee Pannu plays a determined lawyer who goes to any lengths to ensure justice for a rape survivor. The film, directed by Anubhav Sinha—known for socially impactful films like Mulk and Thappad—marks his third collaboration with Taapsee. ASSI is set to release in theaters on 20 February 2026.

Trailer Packs a Punch
The trailer opens with Taapsee addressing a judge in court, stating, “On that day, 80 rape complaints were filed across the country, and trials have started in only four cases.” It then depicts a harrowing scenario where a young girl is kidnapped, sexually assaulted in a car, and later left injured near railway tracks. The film confronts viewers with stark and uncomfortable truths, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and awareness.

Audience Reactions and Social Buzz
Fans and critics have praised the trailer, which garnered over 1.4 million views within just seven hours of release. Social media responses reflect the impact of the film:

• “The film is based on daily news—it shows how broken our society really is.”
• “If this film doesn’t get support, it won’t be the makers’ fault, but the audience’s.”
• “If this film doesn’t win a National Award, it will be shameful.”

Kani Kusruti’s Role Steals the Spotlight
The film features a strong ensemble cast including Revati, Kani Kusruti, Manoj Pahwa, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, Seema Pahwa, and Kumud Mishra. Kani Kusruti, portraying the rape survivor, has captured widespread attention for her powerful performance.

Kani Kusruti has been part of the film industry for nearly two decades, primarily in Malayalam cinema and web series. She rose to prominence with the 2009 Malayalam film Kerala Cafe and received critical acclaim for her 2020 film Biryani, winning several awards. In 2024, she appeared in All We Imagine as Light, which gained international recognition and was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards.

With its unflinching portrayal of societal issues and a strong cast, ASSI is poised to spark conversation and leave a lasting impact on audiences nationwide.