Taapsee Pannu starrer ‘Assi’: Cast, release date, plot of crime thriller revealed

Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee Pannu are back together with ‘Assi’, their third film after ‘Mulk’ and ‘Thappad’. The investigative legal drama centers on a rape case and the fight that follows. The trailer landed this week and drew instant reactions for its tough tone and raw courtroom stakes. It also put a bright spotlight on Kani Kusruti.

'Assi' cast details and release date

According to Mid-Day, “The film revolves around a rape case. And one performance, in particular, has stood out.” In ‘Assi’, Taapsee leads as Raavi. “Assi is headlined by Taapsee Pannu as a fearless lawyer, Raavi, who vows to fight a rape case and help deliver justice against the corrupt system and patriarchy.” The film is set for a theatrical release on February 20, 2026.




The trailer also frames the larger ensemble through clear character beats. “Veteran actress Revathy essays the role of a judge in the film Assi, portraying a character who is firm, assertive, and unflinching in her pursuit of justice.” Manoj Pahwa plays Deepraj. “Manoj Pahwa portrays Deepraj, the father of the accused, bringing a nuanced performance that captures the complexity of an affluent parent.” Supriya Pathak appears as “the mother of the accused,” while Naseeruddin Shah “makes a very special appearance in the film, adding his signature gravitas and depth to the story in a memorable cameo.”

What role does Kani Kusruti play in 'Assi'?

Kani Kusruti portrays Parima, the woman whose story drives the case forward. As the provided material puts it, “In a trailer packed with intense moments, Kani’s presence feels steady and unsettling in equal measure. It is not loud. It lingers.” The cast notes add, “Actress Kani Kusruti plays the role of a rape survivor, Parima, in the film, and in the trailer, she has grabbed everyone's attention with her performance.”

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays her husband, Vinay. “Rather than judging her, he supports her through court trials.” Advik Jaiswal plays their son, “questioning the brutal realities existing in the society.” The legal clash sharpens with the opposition. “Satyajit Sharma plays the aggressive lawyer defending the rapist, locking horns with Taapsee’s character in intense courtroom confrontations.” Rajendra Sethi and Jatin Goswami play cops “investigating and unearthing the truth behind the harrowing events of the night of the rape.”

After the trailer, expectations are high. For many viewers, ‘Assi’ will also be their first close look at Kani Kusruti. If the trailer is any indication, it will not be an easy performance to forget.

Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”