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ASSI: Cinema Beyond Metros Premieres
9 Feb
Summary
- Film premieres in six Indian cities before release.
- Focuses on audience engagement beyond traditional promotion.
- Taapsee Pannu stars in this courtroom drama.

The upcoming courtroom drama, ASSI, starring Taapsee Pannu, is adopting a unique promotional strategy, eschewing typical metro-centric events for special premieres in six Indian cities. These early screenings are scheduled for Patna, Ahmedabad, Indore, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata, taking place one week ahead of the film's nationwide theatrical release on February 20, 2026.
This audience-first approach signifies a deliberate effort to connect with viewers outside of conventional promotional hubs. By including Tier-2 cities, the filmmakers aim to recognize regions that have historically supported content-driven cinema. This strategy underscores the team's confidence in the film's narrative and its relevant themes.
Makers intend for these early screenings to foster genuine engagement and grassroots dialogue, rather than mere publicity. The film, described as an investigative courtroom drama, tackles uncomfortable questions and modern realities. These premieres are designed as platforms for interaction between filmmakers, actors, and the audience.
ASSI features a strong ensemble cast including Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Suprriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa. Produced by Benaras Media Works and presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, the film is directed by Anubhav Sinha.



