Ahead of its theatrical release on February 20, the makers of ‘Assi’, directed by Anubhav Sinha and headlined by Taapsee Pannu, have unveiled the film’s intense trailer, offering a glimpse into a hard-hitting courtroom drama rooted in uncomfortable realities.

The preview positions Taapsee as a determined lawyer who refuses to back down in her pursuit of justice, even as the narrative probes questions of morality, accountability and the society we are collectively shaping.

According to an IANS report, the trailer introduces a tense legal battle where Taapsee’s character anchors the film’s moral spine, while Kani Kusruti brings emotional depth to the story. The film draws from incidents that often make headlines but are quickly forgotten, challenging viewers to confront how easily such crimes are normalised in everyday discourse.

Speaking about the project, Taapsee said the film compelled her because it brings together stories that reflect alarming realities around us. She noted that what we often read as routine crime news should never be treated as normal. “Sometimes it’s not just about the crime itself, but also about how little we do to stop it in our own capacity,” she said, adding that shaping these ideas into a two-hour narrative made the experience deeply moving for her as a performer.

Director Anubhav Sinha said ‘Assi’ struck him with the force it needed to, pushing him to tell a story inspired by everyday news and ignored truths. He described Taapsee as a natural fit for the role, saying she delivers instinctively when taken to the emotional core of a story. Sinha also credited producer Bhushan Kumar for backing a film that confronts difficult subjects head-on.

Echoing that sentiment, Bhushan Kumar said ‘Assi’ stayed with him from the moment he heard the story. He called it a reflection of realities people often choose to look past, praising Sinha’s honesty in storytelling and Taapsee’s sincerity and strength in bringing the character to life.

Apart from Taapsee Pannu, the film features Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak and Seema Pahwa.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, ‘Assi’ is a Benaras Mediaworks production backed by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Anubhav Sinha, and is set to hit theatres on February 20.