Drawing from harrowing incidents that dominate everyday news headlines, Anubhav Sinha’s upcoming film ASSI dares audiences to confront truths that are often ignored or conveniently forgotten. Slated for a theatrical release on 20 February 2026, the film positions itself as a hard-hitting investigative courtroom drama that questions not just the justice system, but society’s collective conscience.
After stirring curiosity with its evocative motion poster, the makers—T-Series and Benaras Media Works—have now unveiled the gripping trailer of ASSI. Directed by the acclaimed Anubhav Sinha, known for his socially charged storytelling, the film is headlined by Taapsee Pannu, who leads a formidable ensemble cast. The film also stars Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, with impactful special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa, adding further gravitas to the narrative.
The trailer opens on an unsettling and intense note, immediately pulling viewers into a world where truth is uncomfortable and justice is anything but straightforward. Taapsee Pannu is introduced as a fierce, unyielding lawyer—someone who refuses to bend or break in the face of pressure, power, or intimidation. Her character becomes the driving force of the courtroom battle, relentlessly pursuing accountability in a system riddled with silence and denial.
At the emotional center of the story stands Kani Kusruti, whose character forms the beating heart of the case. Her presence grounds the narrative, reminding viewers that behind every headline and legal argument lies a deeply personal human cost. What follows is a fast-paced investigative journey that peels back the disturbing layers of society, exposing complicity, apathy, and moral decay.
More than a conventional courtroom drama, ASSI challenges audiences to examine uncomfortable questions about morality, responsibility, and the kind of future being shaped for the next generation. The film doesn’t merely ask whether justice is delivered—it questions whether justice is truly served or simply declared.
Speaking about the trailer, producer Bhushan Kumar shared that ASSI resonated deeply with him from the very first narration. He emphasized that the film reflects realities encountered daily but often ignored. According to him, Anubhav Sinha has approached the subject with remarkable honesty, while Taapsee Pannu brings rare sincerity and strength to her role. For Kumar, the film goes beyond entertainment, aiming instead to spark meaningful conversations around issues society tends to look away from.
Director Anubhav Sinha, reflecting on the film, described ASSI as a story that struck him with a powerful emotional impact. Drawing inspiration from everyday news and lived realities, he felt compelled to tell this story without dilution. He noted that Taapsee Pannu was a natural choice for the role, praising her ability to fully inhabit complex characters. With Bhushan Kumar backing the project, Sinha believes the film is asking the right questions in the right way.
Taapsee Pannu, sharing her perspective, said the film brings together stories that should never be normalized as routine crime news. She highlighted how alarming these incidents are and how often society fails to intervene in its own capacity. For her, shaping this narrative into a two-hour film was deeply moving, as it forces both performers and viewers to confront realities they might otherwise avoid.
Hard-hitting and thought-provoking, ASSI promises to leave audiences unsettled long after the final verdict. With justice itself on trial, the film aims to challenge, provoke, and resonate far beyond the courtroom.
Gulshan Kumar and T-Series present ASSI, a Benaras Media Works production, directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha. The film releases exclusively in theatres worldwide on 20 February 2026.