Taapsee Pannu’s powerhouse performance in ‘Assi’ hasn’t translated to box office glory since its February 20 release. This Anubhav Sinha-directed legal eagle story about combating sexual harassment faces unexpected headwinds.
Manoj Desai, executive director at Mumbai landmarks G7 Multiplex and Maratha Mandir, offered a frank assessment. ‘Taapsee’s talent is undeniable—I’m her biggest supporter,’ he said. ‘The poor run is genuinely surprising.’
Key issue: the enigmatic title. ‘Audiences were thrown off by ‘Assi’,’ he disclosed. ‘Constant questions to staff about the name created real confusion.’
Dismissing female-led flop stereotypes, Desai cited ‘Mardaani’ series victories. ‘They conquered collections across installments.’
Violence-fueled hits dominate: ‘Dhurandar’s extreme action draws repeat crowds. Border 2 excelled, fueling Dhurandar 2 anticipation.’ ‘O Romeo’ performs adequately on four screens, and ‘Toxic’ holds promise.
From producers Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Sinha via T-Series and Banaras Mediaworks, ‘Assi’ packs thematic punch. Desai’s take underscores branding’s pivotal role.
Longtime single-screen advocate Desai brings authority to his views. As ‘Assi’ fights for footing, it reminds filmmakers: in cinema, clarity sells.