The title Assi refers to the shocking estimate of daily rape cases reported in the country — and director once again brings a hard-hitting social narrative to the screen after films like and . This time, he crafts a disturbing yet powerful story that examines not just the trauma of sexual violence, but the societal and systemic failures surrounding it. The film opens with a haunting visual — a woman left abandoned on railway tracks after being raped. From here, the story moves into the life she once had.

Parima (Kani Kusruti) lives a content life with her husband Vinay and son Dhruv (Advik Jaiswal). A school teacher by profession, Parima’s world shatters when she is abducted from a moving vehicle while returning home from a party and brutally gang-raped by five men. Her fight for justice is led in court by lawyer Ravi, played by . Through this legal battle, the film exposes the deep-rooted patriarchy in society, corruption within law enforcement, and the unsettling normalization of victim-blaming.

Written by Anubhav Sinha and , Assi draws inspiration from real-life incidents. The film delivers its message through impactful moments — such as when Vinay teaches his son to let his sister board the school bus first, subtly highlighting the importance of upbringing in shaping a more empathetic society.

Another powerful moment occurs when Dhruv visits his mother in the hospital and Vinay acknowledges that trauma inevitably touches the entire family — a reality that cannot be hidden from children. The film doesn’t confine itself to courtroom drama. It also portrays society’s uncomfortable reactions when Parima attempts to return to work — only to be told by the school principal that the institution isn’t ready for her presence. This reflects the harsh social mindset that often isolates survivors instead of supporting them. As the case unfolds, the narrative reveals bureaucratic hurdles, police corruption, and systemic apathy. A chilling device is used throughout the film — every 20 minutes, a message flashes on screen announcing another sexual assault somewhere in the country during the runtime.

However, the second half slightly loses momentum. A parallel subplot involving Ravi’s brother-in-law Kartik feels underdeveloped. Similarly, ’s character appears incomplete. Greater depth in these roles — and more exploration of Parima’s inner turmoil — could have strengthened the emotional impact. The absence of media coverage within the story also feels unrealistic for such a significant case.

Performance-wise, Taapsee Pannu delivers a composed yet intense portrayal of lawyer Ravi, once again teaming up with Anubhav Sinha after. She handles the film’s emotional weight with grace and conviction.

Kani Kusruti shines as Parima, capturing the fragility and resilience of a survivor trying to rebuild her life. Revathi impresses as the judge, while Kumud Mishra and leave a mark in their supporting roles. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub delivers a sincere performance as a supportive yet conflicted husband, though his character could have benefited from deeper exploration. Overall, Assi is a bold, thought-provoking film that confronts a deeply sensitive issue with honesty. Despite minor narrative shortcomings, it raises uncomfortable but necessary questions about societal attitudes and institutional failures. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Assi is scheduled to hit theaters on February 20.