Javed Akhtar Praises Taapsee Pannu’s ‘Assi’ as “Rare Cinematic Experience”

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has come forward to praise Anubhav Sinha’s latest directorial venture, Assi, calling it a rare film that manages to bridge the gap between emotional resonance and intellectual depth.

Speaking in an exclusive video shared on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Akhtar lauded the film for its “graceful and compelling” narrative, noting that it refuses to provide easy answers to the systemic issues it raises.

Javed Akhtar’s Take: “Heart and Mind”

Akhtar, known for his discerning eye for cinema, highlighted the film’s unique ability to engage the audience on multiple levels:

• The Dual Impact: “Some pictures touch your heart. And some films operate on an intellectual level… But very few films manage to touch both your heart and your mind at the same time. I believe Assi is one such film.”
• Serious Questions: He noted that the film leaves the audience reflecting on the state of society, placing difficult questions before the viewer rather than offering a “neat” resolution.
• The Narrative: He praised the storytelling as “graceful,” even while dealing with the harrowing subject of sexual violence.

Box Office Update: ‘Assi’ Day 5

While the film has received critical acclaim and the backing of industry stalwarts, its commercial performance remains steady but modest.

• Steady Weekdays: The film maintained its Monday hold on Tuesday, showing a consistent interest among urban audiences despite the lack of typical “commercial” growth.
• Budget & Reach: Produced on a mid-scale budget (approx. ₹30 Crore), the film is banking on strong word-of-mouth and long-term residency in multiplexes.

About the Movie: ‘Assi’ (80)

The title refers to a grim statistic: 80 sexual assaults are reported in India every single day.

• The Plot: A Delhi-based schoolteacher named Parima (Kani Kusruti) is brutally gang-raped and left for dead. The film follows her struggle for justice led by a fierce yet weary lawyer, Raavi (Taapsee Pannu).
• The Team: This is the third collaboration between Taapsee Pannu and Anubhav Sinha, following the successes of Mulk (2018) and Thappad (2020).
• Cast: Features an powerhouse ensemble including Naseeruddin Shah, Revathy, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Manoj Pahwa, and Supriya Pathak.