As her hard-hitting drama Assi enters its second weekend, lead actress Taapsee Pannu shared a deeply personal video message today, Friday, February 27, 2026, urging audiences to brave the “discomfort” of the film’s subject matter.
The film, which deals with the harrowing reality of sexual violence, has sparked a polarized response since its release last Friday, with reviews ranging from “powerful and necessary” to “disturbing and disgusting.”
“I Have Read Every Review”: Taapsee’s Message
In a video posted to her Instagram, Taapsee addressed the mixed bag of emotions the film has triggered:
“I’ve seen the messages and read the reviews. For some, it’s ‘What a story!’, and for others, it’s ‘Uncomfortable and disgusted.’ If so many people are writing about it with such intensity and passion, there must be something to it, right?”
She acknowledged that the film is not an “easy watch” but promised it would stay with the viewer:
- The “Discomfort” Factor: “Thoda uncomfortable kar sakti hai… par yaad rahegi” (It might make you a bit uncomfortable, but you will remember it).
- Call to Action: She urged those who haven’t seen it to give it a shot this weekend and share their honest feedback, whether positive or negative.
The Box Office Battle
Assi is currently facing a “David vs. Goliath” situation at the box office:
- The Competition: It is clashing with the rom-com Do Deewane Seher Mein, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur, which has dominated the single screens and younger demographic.
- The ‘Assi’ Performance: While Do Deewane is leading in numbers, Assi is seeing a steady “multiplex hold” driven by strong critical backing from figures like Javed Akhtar and activist groups.
| Film | Vibe | Status |
| Assi | Hard-hitting Courtroom Drama | Growing through word-of-mouth |
| Do Deewane… | Urban Rom-Com | Strong opening weekend |
Context: The ‘Thappad’ Connection
Coincidentally, Assi arrives exactly six years after Taapsee’s 2020 hit Thappad (released Feb 28, 2020). Both films were directed by Anubhav Sinha and both challenge societal norms—Thappad focused on domestic “one slap” violence, while Assi tackles the legal and social aftermath of gang rape.
Quick Movie Guide
- Plot: A schoolteacher (Kani Kusruti) fights for justice after a brutal assault; Taapsee plays her relentless lawyer, Raavi.
- The Name: “Assi” (80) refers to the average number of rapes reported in India every single day.
- Cast: Features a powerhouse lineup including Naseeruddin Shah, Revathy, and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub.