Gaurav Solanki reflects on writing Assi with Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee Pannu, sharing how the story evolved into a layered courtroom drama. He also opens up about being the highest-paid crew member and stresses that writers deserve greater recognition and fair pay in the industry
Assi writer Gaurav Solanki
Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee Pannu’s Assi packed a punch with its gripping narrative ever since its trailer was unveiled. However, way before the trailer, the first poster highlighting how writing is the hero of the film piqued interest. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Gaurav Solanki opens up about Assi, Taapsee Pannu, writers not getting enough credit, and much more.
Gaurav Solanki on collaborating with Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee Pannu
Gaurav opened up about his journey with the project and recalled how Anubhav insisted he write this courtroom drama. “What was planned as a simple story went on to become a complex and layered narrative to engage the audience. The responsibility is to communicate the angst, worry, and pain as truthfully as possible.”
Revealing why Taapsee was always their first choice for the project, he shared, “She is the right person for this story. She brings authenticity to these characters’ journey and feels strongly about such subjects. When we started writing this character, Taapsee was always our first choice, and I am glad she agreed to do it.”
Gaurav Solanki on being the highest-paid crew member
In an industry where actors usually take home the biggest paycheques, Assi is quietly flipping the script. Talking about how it feels to be the highest-paid crew member, Gaurav remarked, “It’s a matter of pride and happiness that it happened with this film. It shows that the producers believe in the script, and I hope it happens more often with other writers as well.”x
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However, the film’s claim has sparked conversation about giving writers their due. In an industry where writers have often spoken about not being paid as much as stars and other crew members, this was heralded as a welcome change.
Talking about how writers are not given their due, Gaurav said, “It is wrong because films work because of a good script. Some writers are paid well and valued, but it has not become a norm in the industry. Young and budding writers have to struggle a lot for credit, and that’s unfair. From the start, every crew member should get their due, as it motivates them to put their best foot forward.”
Gaurav also noted how reviewers easily blame writers when a film is bad but barely mention them when it is a good piece. While it may be unintentional, this is how the conditioning has been.
Alongside Taapsee Pannu in lead, ASSI features Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa, further elevating the film’s thrilling depth.
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