In Anubhav Sinha’s upcoming investigative thriller Assi, writer Gaurav Solanki has emerged as the highest-paid member of the film’s crew, earning even more than lead actress Taapsee Pannu. Speaking to news agency PTI, Solanki said this milestone sets a new benchmark in Hindi cinema and called it a respect that was long overdue.
The revelation was highlighted in the first official poster of Assi, released on social media earlier this week. It reads – “Believe it or not, the highest paid crew member on this film is the writer.” Solanki revealed that he only recently learned the full extent of his pay, though he did not share the exact figure.
Gaurav Solanki: “It’s About Respect, Not Just Money”
For Solanki, the pay is more than just a personal achievement. He explained, “I believe it sets a new benchmark in Hindi cinema, and I feel happy and proud that this has happened. It is not just about money; it is about respect that was long overdue. So it is definitely a good thing for the entire writers’ community because the script is the backbone of a film.”
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He added, “Whether it is a big tentpole movie or a smaller-budget film, they all start as a story on a plain white paper. So in a way, we are definitely making a statement with this film that writers and the script get the respect they deserve, at least in content-driven cinema.”
About Taapsee Pannu Starrer Assi
Assi is an intense investigative thriller and courtroom drama. Taapsee Pannu plays a righteous lawyer tackling serious social issues. According to Solanki, the story revolves around an assault on a workaholic woman and explores the effect of such an incident on the survivor’s life. It also explores the impact it has on the life of the accused or perpetrators and how the justice system works. It’s an investigative thriller and a courtroom drama around that.
The film explores critical social concerns, particularly sexual violence and harassment in India, under the tagline “Eighty. Per Day. Every Day.” The narrative reportedly follows the search for justice after a young woman fails to return home one night.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Assi marks his third collaboration with Taapsee Pannu, after Mulk and Thappad. The film also features Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak and Seema Bhargava appear in special roles.
Produced by Benaras Mediaworks and T-Series, Assi is set for a worldwide theatrical release on February 20, 2026.
