Assi: Taapsee Pannu says Anubhav Sinha’s films feel ‘dramatically real’ : Bollywood News

Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Anubhav Sinha are set to reunite once again with Assi, marking their third collaboration after Mulk and Thappad. Over the years, the actor-director duo has carved a distinct space in Hindi cinema with socially driven narratives that blend realism with strong dramatic undertones. Their upcoming project, Assi, is shaping up to be another intense addition to that body of work.

Assi: Taapsee Pannu says Anubhav Sinha’s films feel ‘dramatically real’

Assi: Taapsee Pannu says Anubhav Sinha’s films feel ‘dramatically real’Billed as a fast-paced investigative courtroom drama, Assi has already generated attention for its sharp dialogues, layered narrative, and ensemble cast. Early glimpses from the film, including its trailer, have sparked conversations online, particularly around Taapsee’s restrained yet commanding screen presence.

Speaking about working with Anubhav Sinha and the kind of cinema he creates, Taapsee shared her perspective on why his films resonate strongly with audiences. “I don’t want to bracket Anubhav Sir only with respect to courtroom dramas. I think there are a lot of things he brings to the table that make his films feel dramatically real almost too close to home. Whether it’s courtroom dramas like Mulk or Assi, or stories like Thappad or Article 15, his storytelling has a way of presenting facts so effortlessly in front of you that sometimes, when that mirror is held up, it’s challenging to look at.”

She further added, “He makes you see reality of life in such an effortless manner that you simply cannot ignore them once they’re in front of you and that’s what makes his films extremely impactful.”

Taapsee also spoke about the creative environment on Sinha’s sets and why actors often feel secure working under his direction. “When you have a director who has the power to present even the simplest stories in the most powerful way, I think actors are probably the safest in those films. That’s why I don’t think anyone can say that a certain actor didn’t perform well in his films. The material he gives you, the kind of scenes and moments he allows you to create there’s very little room for an actor who is truly invested to go wrong. If you’re genuinely committed, the moments he asks you to create and the dialogues he gives you are like kid in a candy shop.”

A line from the trailer — “She did not reach home that night” — has particularly stayed with viewers, underlining the film’s attempt to confront uncomfortable realities often buried under everyday news cycles.

Alongside Taapsee Pannu in the lead, Assi stars Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak and Seema Pahwa.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, Assi is a Benaras Media Works production directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Anubhav Sinha. The film is scheduled to release exclusively in theatres worldwide on February 20, 2026.

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