Anubhav Sinha on Filming Assault Scenes in Assi

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has spoken about the emotional difficulty of shooting the opening scenes of his latest film Assi.

In a recent interview, the director said he found it challenging to bring the disturbing sequences on screen. The film, which released in theatres last week, begins with scenes depicting sexual assault.

“I Was Disgusted With Myself”

Speaking about writing and filming the scenes, Sinha said the process was instinctive rather than planned. He explained that he spent hours writing the sequence and felt uneasy after completing it.

According to him, he shared the draft with co-writer Gaurav Solanki, expecting criticism. Instead, he was told the writing worked for the story.

Sinha added that one particular shot — filmed from beneath a car — was especially difficult for him. He said he personally dislikes the shot but believes it serves the purpose of showing the darkness required for the narrative.

Casting Kani Kusruti

The director was also asked about choosing Kani Kusruti for the role of a survivor. He said he first noticed her performance in All We Imagine As Light.

However, Sinha shared that he had not initially thought of her for the role. The suggestion reportedly came from casting director Mukesh Chhabra. He praised Kusruti’s performance and said she was the right choice for the character.

In Assi, Kani plays Parima, a married woman in Delhi who is abducted and sexually assaulted. The film follows her struggle for justice and highlights the challenges faced during police investigation and court proceedings.

Taapsee Pannu as Lawyer

Actor Taapsee Pannu portrays the survivor’s lawyer in the film. Assi marks the third collaboration between Sinha and Pannu after their earlier projects Mulk and Thappad.

The film also features performances by Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Revathy. Naseeruddin Shah and Supriya Pathak appear in special roles.

Focus on Justice and Aftermath

Assi centers on the aftermath of a violent crime and the emotional and legal battle that follows. The narrative focuses on institutional processes, including police investigation and court proceedings, as the survivor seeks justice.

The film is produced by T-Series and Benaras Mediaworks.

While the subject matter is intense, Sinha’s comments suggest that the creative decisions were made to underline the gravity of the story rather than for shock value.

With Assi, the director continues his exploration of socially sensitive themes, aiming to spark discussion while staying grounded in realism.