Anubhav Sinha's Bold Take on Sexual Assault in Assi
Anubhav Sinha, a prominent filmmaker, recently spoke about the emotional struggles he faced while directing graphic sexual assault scenes in his film, Assi. The scenes are crucial to the narrative, which follows a Delhi woman's pursuit of justice after a violent attack. Sinha expressed that writing these scenes was a deeply unsettling experience for him. He spent over two hours crafting them at dusk and felt disgusted with himself afterward, unsure of how they would be received.
His co-writer, Gaurav Solanki, offered unexpected encouragement, calling the scenes lovely. This positive reinforcement helped Sinha realize that the emotional weight of the scenes was necessary for the film. He shared that the process was instinctive, revealing the darker aspects of human nature that he had to explore to portray the gravity of the situation accurately.
One of the most challenging shots, according to Sinha, was the one filmed under a car, symbolizing the depths of evil the characters experience. Despite his personal discomfort with the shot, he acknowledged its importance in conveying the story's message. The film aims to capture the harsh realities faced by survivors of sexual violence in India.
When it came to casting the lead role of the rape survivor, Sinha initially had no one in mind until casting director Mukesh Chhabra suggested Kani Kusruti. After watching her performance in All We Imagine As Light (2024), Sinha was impressed and found her fit for the challenging role. Kusruti's portrayal is expected to resonate deeply with audiences, shedding light on the struggles faced by survivors.
Alongside Kusruti, Taapsee Pannu plays the role of the survivor's lawyer, bringing another layer to the narrative as it explores the obstacles within the police and court systems. Assi is not just a film but a bold commentary on the societal issues surrounding sexual assault in India, making it a relevant and necessary watch for audiences today.
