Jamuna RamnathThe teaser of the upcoming film ASSI, starring Taapsee Pannu, was launched on Monday at Cinepolis, BSR Mall, Chennai, followed by an interaction with the media featuring actors Revathi and Kani Kusruti. Several press and media representatives were present at the event.
Explaining the significance of the title, Revathi said ASSI refers to the number 80, highlighting a disturbing reality. “In one day alone in India, around 80 FIRs related to sexual assault are filed. This is not something we can afford to take lethargically,” she said.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, known for films rooted in real life incidents and ignored social issues, ASSI is described as an investigative courtroom drama layered with human emotions. Drawing a parallel with Sinha’s Thappad, Revathi said society often normalises violence against women. “Just like how hitting a woman is taken lightly in our society, sexual assault too is often brushed aside. It should not be like that,” she added.
Calling ASSI an “urgent-to-watch film,” Revathi said the narrative maintains a steady investigative tone from beginning to end, blending journalism, courtroom proceedings, and emotional realities. “This is a film everyone has to watch urgently,” she emphasised.
Actor Kani Kusruti echoed similar sentiments, describing the film as deeply important. “The film shows what a survivor goes through, the difficulty of reporting a case, and the long, painful journey towards justice,” she said. She added that cinema like ASSI urges audiences to think, reflect, and question how society can collectively become safer.
Addressing the long standing issue of delayed justice, Revathi remarked, “We’ve been talking about this for years. There are laws, but how many are actually implemented or even known? By the time cases reach court, it takes years, causing immense pain to survivors.” She added that the film examines the courage of survivors, the helplessness of families, loopholes in the law, and the central question of whether justice can go beyond evidence.
Responding to a question about disturbing news coverage, Revathi said, “When this movie ends, it actually starts. That’s when the audience begins to think what is happening, and what should we do about it?”
She strongly rejected victim-blaming narratives, stating, “What a woman wears is not the issue. She should be able to wear what she wants and feel safe whether it’s a sari or a bikini.”
Concluding the interaction, Revathi said ASSI differs from earlier films on the subject as it explores every layer incident, family, friends, media, social response, and the legal process before arriving at a judgement. “These issues need action, not just discussion. We have to make a change,” she said.