Taapsee Pannu’s Assi Sparks Debate Ahead of February 2026 Release

Actor Taapsee Pannu has reunited with filmmaker Anubhav Sinha for Assi , an investigative thriller with strong courtroom drama elements, marking their third collaboration after Mulk and Thappad . The film is slated for a theatrical release on February 20, 2026 .

The makers unveiled the film’s motion poster on Friday, coinciding with early trailer screenings alongside Border 2 in select theatres. Audience reactions from these preview shows have been largely positive, with many praising Pannu’s intense screen presence and the film’s urgent tone. Trade insiders describe the buzz as “terrific” and “impactful,” signalling strong word-of-mouth ahead of the official trailer launch.

Assi features a formidable ensemble cast including Kani Kusruti and veteran actor Revathy , while Naseeruddin Shah is set to make special appearances. The film’s tagline “80 per day. Every day” hints at a hard-hitting social issue, believed to be rooted in systemic injustice and everyday human rights violations, a thematic space Anubhav Sinha is known for exploring.

The project once again places Taapsee Pannu at the centre of a narrative-driven, issue-based film. Early viewers have highlighted her “commanding” performance, particularly in courtroom sequences, drawing comparisons to her earlier socially charged roles. Anubhav Sinha’s signature style of sharp dialogues, moral ambiguity and political undertones appears to be a defining feature of Assi as well.

However, the early response has not been without controversy. A section of social media users has labelled the film as “propaganda,” a criticism that has followed several of Sinha’s recent works. Despite this, trade experts believe the film’s strong performances and topical relevance could help it connect with urban audiences.

With its provocative theme, acclaimed cast and proven director-actor combination, Assi is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Hindi films of early 2026.