Taapsee Pannu’s Upcoming Thriller Assi Sparks Buzz as Writer Earns Highest Fee, Motion Poster Leaves Audiences Intrigued

Mumbai: Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s upcoming spy thriller Assi has generated intense curiosity ever since its motion poster was unveiled. Starring Taapsee Pannu in the lead, the film has grabbed attention not only for its gripping visuals but also for an unusual revelation — the highest-paid member of the project is neither the lead actor nor the director, but the writer.

The motion poster, released earlier this week, sets a dark and tense tone. It shows a woman fleeing from three men, intercut with visuals of Taapsee Pannu dressed as a lawyer, her face smeared with blood. The chilling tagline reads, “Assi. That night, she never made it home.” The visuals have left viewers unsettled and eager to know more about the story.

Despite boasting a stellar ensemble cast, including Kani Kusruti, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Revathi, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Supriya Pathak Kapoor, and Naseeruddin Shah, the spotlight has shifted to the film’s writer. A recently released poster by the makers revealed a surprising fact: “Believe it or not, the highest-paid crew member on this film is the writer.”

While the makers have not officially named the writer in promotional material, the story of Assi has been penned by Gaurav Solanki, best known for his work on Article 15 and the Amazon Prime Video series Tandav. Speaking to news agency PTI, Solanki expressed pride in this recognition, calling it a long-overdue moment for writers in Hindi cinema.

“This is not just about money, it’s about respect,” Solanki said. “A film begins with a blank white page. Whether it’s a big-budget blockbuster or a small subject-driven film, the story is its backbone. I believe Assi will help set a new benchmark, at least in content-driven cinema, where writers and stories get the dignity they deserve.”

Assi is described as a high-intensity spy thriller woven around a courtroom drama. The film marks the third collaboration between Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee Pannu after Mulk and Thappad. The trailer is currently being screened in cinemas alongside Border 2.

Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha under the banners of T-Series and Benaras Mediaworks, Assi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on February 20, 2026.