Assi filmmaker Anubhav Sinha criticises box office obsession as 'good gossip', vows not to share any data for Taapsee Pannu's courtroom drama

Anubhav Sinha and Tapsee Pannu's Assi has marked its highly anticipated theatrical premiere today (February 20), and all eyes are on its box office performance. However, the acclaimed filmmaker has a different perspective on determining a film's worth, irrespective of its numbers and occupancy. In a recent conversation, Anubhav Sinha opened up on the growing obsession with box office numbers and revealed that he will not be disclosing Assi's box office verdict.

Why Anubhav Sinha is against Assi's box office numbers?

In a time of box office verdicts and the influence of good box office numbers for a film's success, director Anubhav Sinha has a unique way of saving a film from such criticism. Anubhav Sinha, who is known for his relevant storylines and social dramas, recently opened up on the culture of flaunting box office numbers. Calling box office reports mere gossip, Anubhav told Screen in an interview, “The numbers are good gossip. I hope the audience gets it. They don’t understand what’s gross worldwide, gross India, and net India. They don’t know the producer gets only less than 50% of the reported figure. ₹400 crore, ₹700 crore and ₹800 crore are all very aspirational figures, no? But I hope the audience doesn’t take these numbers seriously.”

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

The filmmaker also added that he is against the obsession of the craze of box office numbers, and if such verdicts were under his control, he would avoid sharing the box office numbers, no matter if they were good or bad. “If I could, I wouldn’t announce my numbers, no matter how good or bad. I don’t think I can stop it. I’ll do my best. I’ll fight tooth and nail to not release our film’s poster with all the star ratings. But sometimes, you get overwritten,” the Mulk director added.

Who appears in the cast of Assi?

From the maker of Mulk, Article 15 and Thappad comes another hard-hitting social drama film titled Assi. Touted to be a courtroom drama film, Assi features Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer fighting for justice for her rape survivor client (played by Kani Kusruti). The title tries to depict the harsh reality of the growing number of sexual violence and abuse cases without any closure. Its shocking claim to report 80 rape cases in the nation sends chills to the viewers. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Supriya Pathak, and Manoj Pahwa are part of the supporting ensemble.

Assi FAQs:

Q. When will Assi release in theaters?

A. Taapsee Pannu's Assi has hit the screens on February 20, 2026 and clashed with Mrunal Thakur's Do Deewane Seher Mein.

Q. Who is the director of Assi?

A. Assi is directed by Mulk filmmaker Anubhav Sinha. This courtroom drama film marks his third collaboration with Taapsee Pannu. 

Q. Who plays a rape victim in Assi?

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