EXCLUSIVE: Assi writer Gaurav Solanki reacts to being HIGHEST paid crew member: “This should happen so often that it stops becoming newsworthy”; reveals, “Taapsee Pannu was the ONLY choice”; also explains why courtroom drama was never intended to be titled Mulk 2 : Bollywood News

In mid-January, a film named Assi was announced on social media. Interestingly, the poster didn’t carry the name of the film’s star cast, director or even the banner. It simply mentioned a text, “Eighty. Per day. Every day” along with the tagline “An urgent watch”. Two days later, another poster dropped, which mentioned that “Believe it or not, the highest paid crew member on this film is the writer”! On January 23, it was finally revealed that Assi is directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Assi’s writer, Gaurav Solanki, spoke about the unique campaign, being the highest-paid crew member, and more.

EXCLUSIVE: Assi writer Gaurav Solanki reacts to being HIGHEST paid crew member: “This should happen so often that it stops becoming newsworthy”; reveals, “Taapsee Pannu was the ONLY choice”; also explains why courtroom drama was never intended to be titled Mulk 2How has the feedback been to the unique marketing campaign of Assi? It has caught attention for sure, especially the writing aspect. What was the thought process behind it?
We have immense confidence in the film, looking at the way it has shaped up. We are looking forward to how people will respond to the final product. We thought the story of the film and title are most important and we pushed for them first. Also, as you said, I am glad that there was a conversation on the film’s writing before the star cast. I hope this happens more often.

Assi is written by you as well as director Anubhav Sinha. Who came up with the idea?
We keep bouncing off subjects. We ask ourselves after listening to them, ‘Andar se awaaz aa rahi hai?’. He came up with the subject and suggested that we should work on it. That’s how we began developing Assi. Then, we worked on the characters, subplots, etc. In the first couple of months, the script changed form as well. The script then tells you what it is about. When you allow the characters and story to lead you, the process becomes beautiful and fun.

There were reports that the film is titled Mulk 2. Was the film, at any stage, named so?
No. I read those reports. But it’s not true at all.

In today’s times, when franchise value pulls audiences to cinemas, it is praiseworthy not to name the film Mulk 2 despite it being directed by Anubhav Sinha and featuring Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer, just like it was in Mulk (2018)…
That’s because the story and the zone of Assi are different from those of Mulk. It’s a thriller, courtroom drama and human drama. So, for us, it was always a different film.

Was Taapsee Pannu the original choice?
Since the time we were writing, Taapsee was the only choice. When Anubhav and I write, we often discuss who can play the role. At times, the actors on our wish list come on board and at times, they don’t. But it gets easy when you flesh out characters, keeping in mind who’ll play those parts.

How was it working with Taapsee Pannu for the first time?
I have known and interacted with her even before the film. Working with her on Assi was a pleasure. She gave very interesting feedback and input after reading the script. She made attempts to play a lawyer in a different way and tried her best to do justice to the script and character. Also, it didn’t strike me that we were working for the first time, as I know Anubhav since the time of Mulk’s post-production. We had begun work on Article 15 at that time. Moreover, I helped a bit with the climax dialogues of Mulk.

Assi also stars Kani Kusruti, who has made a mark in Malayalam cinema and was a part of the globally acclaimed film, All We Imagine As Light (2024). Tell us about working with her
She has essayed the role with earnestness. She is known for playing serious roles, but in real life, she is the complete opposite (laughs). She is not at all serious on the sets. Hindi is not her first language. But you won’t get that feeling when you see the film.

How does it feel to be the highest-paid crew member in Assi?
I learned about it a few days before it was announced. It’s a matter of pride. Anubhav values writing a lot. I hope it happens with more writers. It should take place so often that it stops becoming newsworthy (smiles).

There have been many courtroom films, few of which have been quite impactful. Mulk (2018) continues to be memorable. Taapsee Pannu’s earlier film Pink (2016) was also a legal drama. Keeping this in mind, was it a challenge for you to stay true to the script and yet, bring something exciting and new to the audience?
This film is different from the films that you mentioned in terms of subject and content. In our films, the courtroom is depicted in a certain way, though it’s getting more and more realistic. We have taken one step further in this regard with the script and storytelling. That would be fresh for the viewers. We wrote the characters and goings-on without getting influenced from any films; instead, we were influenced by real life.

Your writing has been realistic as well as dramatic. This was seen in the intermission scene of Article 15 (2019). It gives goosebumps, even after multiple viewings. How did you get the idea for it?
Again, the story took us to that point. The protagonist wants to get transferred. He comes from a place of privilege; he understands and also doesn’t understand certain aspects. But then the case of missing girls changes his stand. He reaffirms his belief in the Constitution, particularly Article 15. That was the idea.

It seems like he purposely put up the page of Article 15 in the ‘missing’ section in the police station…
He wanted it to be visible to everyone. At times, we tend to forget or ignore the basic things. It seemed like the cops didn’t know what Article 15 is and stands for. So, he’s reminding his staff and even the society at large about it.

The CBFC is known to cut or delete certain dialogues or visuals in such films. Do you fear that happening with Assi?
I don’t have information on it. Lekin mera yeh vishwaas hai ki jaise yeh film bani hai, waise hi aapke saamne aayegi. The certification board would now take a call.

You wrote Dibakar Banerjee’s Tees, which have been ready for a long time. What’s the update on it?
It’s a Netflix original. So, they’ll be able to answer. My job ended after writing the script.

Article 15, Tees, Assi – your film titles tend to have digits…
(Laughs) I also noticed it recently. In fact, my book ‘Gyarahvin A Ke Ladke’ also has a number in the title. I have been a student of Mathematics. So, that must have played a part!

What next?
Anubhav and I are working on two more films. Let’s see which one of them gets made first. Both are unique subjects and something that would interest and excite us to bring them to the audience.

Also Read: Assi stars Taapsee Pannu and is directed by Anubhav Sinha; trailer, attached with Border 2, gives major Pink-meets-Mulk hard-hitting courtroom energy