Taapsee Pannu appeals to audience: ‘Give meaningful films like Assi a chance in theatres’

Actress Taapsee Pannu’s courtroom drama Assi hit theatres last week with a story that prioritises realism over entertainment spectacle. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film follows Advocate Raavi, a determined lawyer fighting a sensitive sexual assault case against influential power structures.

While the film earned ₹7.33 crore net in India and ₹11.12 crore worldwide in its opening week, its performance reflected a larger industry debate — are audiences increasingly reserving theatres only for grand, larger-than-life entertainers?

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Facing Reality on Screen

During a conversation with journalist Sonal Kalra on The Right Angle, Taapsee addressed why socially intense films often struggle theatrically. 

According to the report by Hindustan Times, she pointed out the contradiction in audience behaviour — fictional violence is widely accepted as entertainment, yet stories portraying real societal crimes are considered too disturbing. 

According to her, films like Assi may be difficult to watch, but they initiate conversations society often avoids. The actor emphasised that crimes involving minors highlight the urgent need for awareness and dialogue rather than silence or discomfort-driven avoidance.

Cinema Cannot Survive on One Formula

Taapsee compared cinema choices to food habits — audiences enjoy lavish cinematic spectacles, but meaningful stories remain equally essential. Restricting theatrical success to only high-scale action or visual extravaganzas risks turning filmmaking into a repetitive template. She argued that diversity in storytelling is what allows Indian cinema to evolve and compete globally.

Without audience support for varied narratives, experimental and socially relevant films may gradually disappear from mainstream spaces.

Why Theatre Support Matters More Than Ever?

Addressing the common belief that serious films eventually thrive on streaming platforms, Taapsee revealed a changing industry reality. OTT platforms today increasingly favour films that have already proven their commercial success in theatres.

This shift, she warned, could leave mid-budget, content-driven films without either theatrical longevity or digital backing. Supporting such films in cinemas, therefore, directly influences whether similar bold stories continue to be made. 

Her message remained clear — choosing to watch films like Assi in theatres is not an act of sympathy but a vote for cinematic variety and meaningful storytelling.

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The ‘Boycott’ Remark That Put Taapsee Pannu Back in Headlines

Notably, ahead of Assi’s release, an old interview clip of Taapsee Pannu resurfaced online, reviving debates around film boycotts. In the video, while promoting Dobaaraa, directed by Anurag Kashyap, the actor sarcastically invited boycott calls, saying she too wished to join the list of stars facing such trends. The remark, made 'humorously' at the time, reflected her criticism of selective outrage culture surrounding films.

Its resurfacing once again highlighted how promotional statements are often revisited and reinterpreted in changing social media climates — adding another layer of scrutiny around actors and issue-based cinema releases.