Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Genre: Drama
Year: 2026
Running time: 2 hours 13 minutes
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Kani Kusruti, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, Kumud Mishra, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Jatin Goswami
Kid rating: PG-17
Assi is about the deeply disturbing and persistent problem of molestation and rape in India. It builds the narrative around a particular case involving a Malayali woman named Parima, who lives in Delhi with her husband and son.
Parima is a working woman who goes to her job every day. One evening, she stays back after work for a colleague’s celebration. While making her way back home, she is abducted by five men in an SUV and brutally gang-raped. She is discovered the following day, bleeding, traumatized almost out of her senses.
From there, the film follows the long and painful process that unfolds after the crime: the filing of the police case, the investigation, and the legal proceedings. The police investigation is deeply flawed, hampered by corruption and negligence. Evidence is mishandled or lost, and it becomes clear that some police officers are on the take.
The story follows the emotional and psychological toll this situation takes on multiple people: the victim, her family, and the legal team seeking justice. Parima’s lawyer, Advocate Raavi, played by Taapsee Pannu, is portrayed as an outspoken, intelligent, and determined young lawyer. She is committed to the rule of law and deeply frustrated by the corruption, inefficiency, and slow pace of the justice system.
The film also highlights how the system itself is not victim-friendly. The case encounters numerous obstacles, including corrupt officials, poorly conducted investigations, and bureaucratic delays within both the police force and the judiciary.
Revathi plays Judge Vasudha, who hears the case. While sympathetic, even she is constrained by procedural limitations, and the incompetence of the investigative authorities.
One particularly striking moment in the film occurs when the judge requests surveillance footage showing the moment when the victim was pushed out of the vehicle. A police officer informs the court that the camera was not functioning that day because monkeys had interfered with the wiring system.
The film itself highlights a grim statistic: approximately 80 rape cases are reported in India every day. Many more go unreported, and even those that are reported often face an exhausting and prolonged battle through the justice system.
Overall, Aisi is a powerful and worthwhile film. Director Anubhav Sinha has previously directed several outstanding films, including Article 15, Thappad, and Mulk. Assi might not be his best work, but it is impactful.
The performances are strong across the board, the subject matter is handled with seriousness, and the film ultimately leaves the viewer reflecting on the many challenges victims face.
Highly recommended.
Kidwise: The film’s subject matter pertains to sexual assault, and there are many discussions of an adult nature. The rape screen is long, brutal and hard to watch, even for adults.
