New Delhi: Taapsee Pannu is making a comeback on the big screen with ‘Assi’. The much-awaited courtroom drama releases in theaters on Thursday, February 20.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film explores complex social issues through the lens of an intense legal battle.
The film also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Kani Kusruti and Revathi in lead roles.
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Following the initial screening, audiences took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their first reactions, with many praising the film’s intensity, performances, and thought-provoking story.
eighty x review
One user wrote, “The film Assi is a must watch. @AnubhavSinha’s brilliant direction and @Taapsee and Kani Kusruti’s brilliant acting will shake you to your core and make you think about what is happening in our society.”
#eighty Movie Review:
ASSI is a tough courtroom drama driven by a gripping premise and strong performances, that haunts you and stays with you. #taapseepannu And #Kanikusruti.Rating: 1/2 @taapsee @anubhavsinha @tseries @banarasmedia pic.twitter.com/Pms6qZ9B38– Afzal Rajput (@afzalraj5) 19 February 2026
Another viewer praised the story and performances, writing: “#Assi (Assi) is not just a film, it is a warning.
It shocks you with every scene, and portrays the horrific reality of how women and girls are victimized on a daily basis.
It doesn’t entertain, but rather disturbs and forces you to confront uncomfortable truths.
The performances of @Taapsee, @Kani_Kusruti, #Revathi, #ManojPahwa, #KumudMishra, @MDjishanAyyub, @NaseeruddinShah, #SupriyaPathak, #SeemaBhargaPahwa and #RajendraSethi are raw and powerful.
This is a film that needs to be seen, felt and thought about.
A third user wrote, “Assi is not just a courtroom drama, it is a bold and thought-provoking social mirror.”
Another viewer shared, “The film Assi is a must watch. @AnubhavSinha’s brilliant direction and @Taapsee and Kani Kusruti’s excellent performances will shake you to your core and make you think about what is happening in our society.”
#eighty – movie review
Assi is not just a courtroom drama – it is a bold and thought-provoking social mirror…(4.5/5) @taapsee @anubhavsinha @_gauravsolanki @kani_kusruti @Mdzeeshanayyub @naseeruddanshah @shivchanana @tseries @BanarasM @PanoramaMovies pic.twitter.com/pHHYzT9Nex-Kuldeep Gadhvi (@kuldeepgadhvi70) 12 February 2026
Highlighting Taapsee’s performance, a user wrote, “#Taapsee doesn’t just play strong characters, she makes you feel every bit of their pain and strength. #Assi is heavy but worth it.”
Another viewer described the atmosphere inside the theatre, saying, “Goosebumps… tears… silence… this is how I felt in the theater while watching Asi. #Taapsee, no one else owns this place.”
about eighty
Assi is no ordinary courtroom drama. It deals with deep questions like morality, responsibility and what kind of society is being shaped for future generations.
The film is based on Parima (played by Kani Kusruti), a school teacher from Delhi who is kidnapped. The plot focuses on the outcome, investigation, media frenzy and the legal battle led by a fiery lawyer Raavi (played by Taapsee Pannu).
The film is being praised a lot for its strong acting. Assi emerges as an intense courtroom drama that remains with the audience long after the final verdict.