Assi Review: Taapsee Pannu and Anubhav Sinha‘s latest social courtroom drama arrived in cinemas on February 20, 2026. The film sparked conversation for its unsettling yet purposeful storytelling. Critics have largely labelled it a “disturbing yet necessary” watch. The narrative confronts sexual violence and questions the cracks within India’s justice system.
Naturally, audiences were curious. Early viewers who watched Assi wasted no time sharing their reactions online. While many praised the performances and intent, several felt the film did not entirely reach its emotional potential.
Assi Review: What Viewers Said
One viewer shared his Assi review and said that the film was powerful in intention but uneven in execution. The viewer noted that Anubhav Sinha approaches the sensitive subject of sexual violence with sincerity. They highlighted Kani Kusruti’s portrayal of a survivor as deeply affecting. Her performance was praised for its restraint and emotional depth. Advik Jaiswal was also mentioned for leaving a strong impression.
Taapsee Pannu (who plays the determined lawyer) earned appreciation for delivering a steady performance. However, the viewer felt her character arc appeared somewhat familiar. Revathi’s presence (particularly in courtroom sequences) added authority and gravitas.
Despite these strengths, the viewer pointed to the screenplay as a concern. According to them, the story feels crowded with multiple themes. As a result, the emotional intensity softens. They also felt the climax, while meaningful, lacked the expected impact. In their words, Assi remains “earnest and well-acted, but it falls short of being truly compelling.”
Another viewer acknowledged that Assi tackles a grave social issue with genuine intent. The film’s core (a gang rape case and a lawyer’s fight for justice) delivers an undeniably important message.
Yet, they felt the storyline leaned into familiar territory. The narrative structure reminded them of several earlier films exploring comparable themes. Taapsee Pannu’s performance was called sincere and committed. Still, the viewer expected something fresher, given her reputation for strong choices.
They concluded that Assi is meaningful but “lacks the novelty needed to truly set itself apart.”
Check out some more reactions below
About The Film
Assi derives its title from a sobering statistic (the approximate number of women reportedly facing sexual assault daily in India). The film centres on Parima (played by Kani Kusruti), a Delhi schoolteacher whose life is shattered after a brutal gang rape.
The story then shifts to the aftermath. Parima’s struggle for justice unfolds against a system depicted as corrupt and indifferent. Her husband Vinay, portrayed by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, stands by her side.
Taapsee Pannu plays Raavi, a fierce lawyer determined to fight Parima’s case. The narrative explores legal battles, social stigma, and the psychological toll on survivors. The film also features Naseeruddin Shah, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Supriya Pathak and Revathi as the presiding judge.
With a runtime of 134 minutes, Assi positions itself as a hard-hitting social drama. It aims to provoke thought rather than offer comfort.
