Assi release: Kani Kusruti opens up on playing a rape survivor and how it reignites trauma and pain

Assi release: Kani Kusruti, who is playing a rape survivor in the movie, opened up about the justice system and the unspoken trauma every act of abuse leaves behind.

Kani Kusruti in Assi

Anubhav Sinha’s social drama film Assi is making a buzz for its hard-hitting portrayal of the dark legal battle every sexual abuse survivor faces in the nation. Kani Kusruti, who is playing a rape survivor in the movie, opened up about the justice system and the unspoken trauma every act of abuse leaves behind. She also revealed some key details about her character. Assi is set to clash at the box office with Do Deewane Seher Mein as both films drop on February 20.

How playing a rape survivor in Assi led her to understand the justice system of India?

Kani Kusruti is known for her solid on-screen presence. After gaining immense praise for All We Imagine As Light Kani Kusruti is set to p lay a powerful character in Anubhav Sinha’s Assi alongside Taapsee Pannu as her lawyer. During a conversation with PTI, Kani revealed how playing a survivor requires a deep emotional strength to deal with the trauma and scars. She agreed to go closer to the character but also added that it is not entirely possible to transition into the skin of a survivor character.

"I don't think one can tap into the trauma (of a survivor) exactly. As an actor, we tried to go closest to it, and there can be moments you are probably in it because you are almost believing this has happened to you. But I'm not an actor who would fully go in like that, (because) then it will kind of affect you. I don't tend to do that," Kani told the news portal.

When asked further about her role, Kani revealed that playing the role of a rape survivor has helped her understand about the justice system of India and how it brings back the haunting trauma and encounters. She added, “To get justice, you've to go through it (pain), so there is an absurdity and irony within the system, but that's how you get justice, you cannot forget it. In the film, there's also a line, 'They won't let you forget this'.”

Also Read: Taapsee Pannu’s Assi gets a release date with a solid motion poster about sexual violence | Watch

Who appears in the cast of Assi?

Assi marks another collaboration between filmmaker Anubhav Sinha and Tapsee Pannu after Thappad and Mulk. Touted to be a gripping legal social drama, Assi highlights the growing cases of abuse and sexual assault. Taapsee Pannu features as a tough lawyer who vows to get justice for her rape survivor client.

Kani Kusruti plays a working mother whose world crashes down after she becomes a target of sexual violence while returning home. Veteran actress Revathy appears as a judge in the film and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub plays Kani’s husband. Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra round out the ensemble. You can also expect some intriguing special cameos with Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa.

Assi FAQs:

Q. When will Assi release in theaters?

A. Taapsee Pannu's Assi is set to release on February 20, 2026.

Q. Who plays a rape victim in Assi?

A. Assi features Kani Kusruti as a rape survivor and Taapsee Pannu as her lawyer.

Q. Will Assi and Do Deewane Seher Mein release on the same day?

A. Yes, Mrunal Thakur's Do Deewane Seher Mein is set to clash with Taapsee's Assi.

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