Anubhav Sinha Explores Rising Rape Cases in ‘Assi’

Acclaimed filmmaker Anubhav Sinha says his upcoming film Assi is a powerful attempt to confront the alarming rise in sexual assault cases in India and to spark conversations around a society increasingly desensitised to such violence.

Known for socially relevant films, Sinha said it was “important to say it loud and clear” through cinema, as he delves into the systemic and societal factors behind the growing number of reported rape cases.

The film stars Kani Kusruti as a rape survivor and Taapsee Pannu as her lawyer. The narrative follows a Delhi woman’s pursuit of justice after a brutal sexual assault, highlighting the challenges she faces within the police system and the courtroom.

The title Assi — which means “eighty” in Hindi — is drawn from statistics indicating that around 80 rape cases are reported daily in India. Through the film, Sinha aims to question not only the legal hurdles survivors encounter but also the broader cultural attitudes that enable such crimes.

With its focus on justice, accountability and empathy, Assi continues Sinha’s tradition of tackling pressing social issues through hard-hitting storytelling.