In a landscape dominated by formulaic fare, Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Assi’ emerged on February 20 as a bold critique of sexual violence against women, led by Taapsee Pannu’s riveting portrayal. Box office hurdles haven’t dimmed its shine, especially after Javed Akhtar’s public admiration.
The iconic lyricist praised it as a story that ‘touches emotions and hearts alike,’ masterfully weaving victim experiences with societal rot through gripping courtroom sequences and intimate moments of despair. This realistic lens on India’s harassment epidemic has struck a chord.
Ranveer Brar, the MasterChef judge, added his voice, noting the film’s strong visual narrative that provokes deep thought. Collections started promisingly at 1 crore day one, climbed to 3.20 crores by day three, and reached 4.20 crores in the first week. Now at 6.30 crores, it’s only a fraction of the 30-crore budget, with post-weekend dips hurting momentum.
Film trade watchers cite weak publicity and lack of A-list stars as culprits, but social buzz suggests longevity. ‘Assi’ challenges viewers to rethink complacency, positioning itself as essential viewing in the fight for gender justice. Its legacy may well outlive initial earnings.