ASSI: Makers of Taapsee Pannu starrer take film promotions beyond metros with six special premieres across India

Taapsee Pannu–led courtroom drama to screen in Patna, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore, Delhi and Kolkata ahead of its February 20 release.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

February 9, 2026 - 8:40 PM IST

The makers of ASSI have opted for an unconventional promotional strategy by taking the film directly to audiences across multiple Indian cities ahead of its theatrical release. Instead of limiting promotions to traditional metro-centric events, the team has planned six special premieres in Patna, Ahmedabad, Indore, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata, scheduled a week before the film hits cinemas on February 20, 2026.

ASSI: Makers of Taapsee Pannu starrer take film promotions beyond metros with six special premieres across India

This audience-first approach signals a clear intent to engage with viewers beyond the usual promotional circuits. By including Tier-2 cities alongside major urban centres, the makers aim to give equal importance to regions that have consistently supported content-driven cinema. The move also reflects the team’s confidence in the film and its subject matter.

According to those involved, the idea behind the early screenings is to create meaningful engagement rather than high-decibel publicity. These cities are seen as spaces where cinema is often experienced collectively, with audiences actively engaging in discussions around storytelling, performances, and themes. By bringing ASSI directly to these viewers ahead of release, the makers hope the film’s ideas find resonance organically.

ASSI is positioned as an investigative courtroom drama that explores uncomfortable questions and contemporary realities. The decision to hold premieres ahead of release is intended to encourage dialogue at the grassroots level, allowing audiences to interact with the film beyond the screen. The premieres are being designed not just as celebratory events, but as forums where filmmakers, actors, and viewers can exchange perspectives.

The film stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role, supported by a strong ensemble cast that includes Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. The film also features special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Suprriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa, adding further weight to its narrative and performances.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, ASSI is a Benaras Media Works production directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Anubhav Sinha. With its unique promotional rollout and a nationwide theatrical release locked for February 20, 2026, ASSI is positioning itself as a film that prioritises audience connection as much as storytelling.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anubhav Sinha confesses that rumours tempted him to title Assi as Mulk 2: “It was a fleeting thought inspired by those news items”; talks highly of ‘foodie’ Taapsee Pannu: “We ordered 35 cups of ice cream at 2 in the morning!”