The release of ‘Assi’ starring Taapsee Pannu has sparked debate in Mumbai’s film circles. Premiering February 20, this Anubhav Sinha directorial—a tale of a lawyer’s fight against sexual harassment—promised much but delivered modest box office numbers.
Manoj Desai, the seasoned executive director of G7 Multiplex and Maratha Mandir, didn’t mince words. A self-professed Taapsee admirer, he called her ‘very promising and a great actress.’ Still, he found the film’s tepid reception baffling.
Blame lands squarely on the title. ‘People were baffled by ‘Assi’,’ Desai revealed. ‘Viewers repeatedly questioned the management about the name, leading to confusion.’
Debunking myths about female-driven stories, Desai highlighted the ‘Mardaani’ franchise’s triumphs. ‘Those films smashed box office records,’ he said, emphasizing quality over gender.
In contrast, high-octane fare thrives. ‘Dhurandar packs the most violence and audiences love it enough for repeat viewings. Border 2 impressed too, with fans eagerly awaiting Dhurandar 2.’ ‘O Romeo’ holds steady on four screens as average, while ‘Toxic’ eyes strong performance.
Backed by T-Series and Banaras Mediaworks, ‘Assi’ weaves a compelling narrative of justice amid adversity. Yet, as Desai observes, a puzzling title might be its biggest adversary in a crowded market.
With decades preserving Mumbai’s single screens, Desai’s perspective carries weight. ‘Assi’ tests whether bold stories can overcome perceptual barriers in today’s multiplex era.