With ASSI, Anubhav Sinha Brings Cinema That’s Raw, Real, Relentless writes Rao Narender Yadav
The buzz is real: Anubhav Sinha’s ASSI promises cinema that hits hard. Touted as provocative and powerful, the film marks a return to socially conscious storytelling. It is already among the most anticipated releases, not just as Sinha’s next directorial venture, but as a significant moment for what is often described as “real cinema.”
Slated for February 20 release, ASSI boasts a strong ensemble cast led by Taapsee Pannu, along with Kani Kusruti, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Revathy, Kumud Mishra and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles, with Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak Kapur and Seema Bhargava also appearing in key parts.
The legacy of socially conscious filmmaking in India runs deep. From Govind Nihalani’s Ardh Satya, which explored police brutality and moral conflict, to Shyam Benegal’s Ankur, Nishant, and Aakrosh, and later films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Bandit Queen, and Salaam Bombay – these films did not offer easy resolutions or glossy distractions; instead, they held up a mirror to society, forcing audiences to engage, reflect, and question.
ASSI seeks to rekindle that very engagement. With films such as Article 15, Mulk, and Thappad, Sinha demonstrated that cinema rooted in real issues can still resonate deeply with audiences. ASSI appears to take this commitment even further, promising a raw, uncompromising look at stories emerging directly from society. The charm of such films lies in their honesty — in their ability to present uncomfortable truths without dilution.
The renewed relevance of issue-based cinema is also evident in the growing role of film festivals that consciously foreground such narratives. Platforms like the Woodpecker International Film Festival (WIFF) have consistently championed films rooted in real issues, providing space for stories that may not always find immediate mainstream visibility. By curating cinema that reflects social realities and diverse perspectives, these festivals help sustain the ecosystem of meaningful filmmaking and reinforce its cultural importance.
Against this larger backdrop, ASSI arrives as a timely and significant work. It is awaited not only because it carries Anubhav Sinha’s creative vision, but because it represents a reaffirmation of cinema’s social responsibility. By bringing back the raw charm and emotional force of hard-hitting narratives, the film has the potential to strengthen the presence of real, issue-driven storytelling in Indian cinema — reminding audiences why such films continue to matter.