Who is Kani Kusruti? All you need to know about the actress playing rape survivor in Taapsee Pannu starrer ‘Assi’

The trailer for ‘Assi’ has generated strong reactions since its release and has put actor Kani Kusruti in the spotlight. The film reunites filmmaker Anubhav Sinha and actor Taapsee Pannu for the third time after ‘Mulk’ and ‘Thappad.’ The story deals with a rape case and carries several emotionally heavy moments. Viewers watching the trailer have focused closely on Kani’s role as a rape victim. Her performance stays controlled and deeply affecting. It leaves a strong impression and pushes audiences to learn more about her journey and work.

Who is Kani Kusruti?

Kani Kusruti plays a central role in ‘Assi,’ according to Network 18. The trailer highlights several emotional scenes that rely heavily on her performance. The promotional material notes that “in a trailer packed with intense moments, Kani’s presence feels steady and unsettling in equal measure. It is not loud. It lingers.” That description reflects how viewers have reacted. Many have started asking, “Who is Kani Kusruti?”




She was born in Cheruvakkal, a small village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Now 40, she has spent nearly two decades working in the Indian film industry. Some Hindi film viewers are discovering her work only now, but she already holds a strong place in Malayalam cinema. She first gained wide attention through the 2009 anthology film ‘Kerala Cafe.’ Over time, she appeared in Malayalam films such as ‘Shikkar,’ ‘Cocktail,’ and ‘Ok Computer.’ Her choices leaned toward complex characters instead of mainstream roles, which helped shape her identity as a performer.

Kani Kusruti career highlights and awards

Kani delivered one of her most discussed performances in ‘Biriyaani’ in 2020. The film brought her major appreciation and recognition. She won the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards, which marked a turning point in her career.

In 2024, she appeared in ‘All We Imagine as Light.’ The film was screened at international film festivals and won several awards. It also earned a nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Golden Globe Awards. The same year, she appeared in ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal and released on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Assi’ also stars Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa. The film is set for theatrical release on February 20, 2026. Early trailer reactions suggest that many viewers will experience Kani Kusruti’s work closely for the first time through ‘Assi.’

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