Assi actor Kani Kusruti once quit acting over harassment, found her way back
Award-winning actor Kani Kusruti, who plays a rape survivor in the upcoming film Assi, had once quit acting after facing harassment. Assi, also starring Taapsee Pannu, is scheduled for a February 2026 release.
Before the applause and acclaim, there was a moment when actor Kani Kusruti chose to walk away. The Malayalam actor, now earning praise for her powerful turn in the upcoming film Assi, once quit acting altogether after facing sexual harassment early in her career – a decision that continues to shape her voice in the industry.
Assi, set to release in theatres on February 20, stars Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer and features Kani in a demanding lead role as a rape survivor. The performance has already drawn attention for its restraint and emotional depth, adding another milestone to Kani’s two-decade-long career.
During a film screening in 2019, Kani spoke candidly about the circumstances that forced her to step away from films. She revealed that repeated sexual demands from filmmakers left her deeply distressed. According to the actor, the situation escalated to a point where attempts were allegedly made to pressure her mother as well.
She said, "I always wanted to be an artiste in the cinema industry. But once I came in, I realised that I wouldn't be able to make it. There were lots of adjustments that needed to be done and a lot of restrictions were imposed for being a female actor. I found it hard to survive, hence I decided to drop the idea of becoming an actress."
"Many even came to my mom telling that her daughter should make adjustments if she wants to be the part of the project," she added.
Following her exit from cinema, Kani returned to theatre, where she had first made her mark. She was initially recognised for her work in the play Bhagavadajjukam, and theatre became both a refuge and a space for creative renewal. However, financial constraints eventually compelled her to return to films.
Born in a small village in Kerala to social activist parents, Kani made her film debut in the 2003 Malayalam film Anyar. Over the years, she has built an eclectic body of work across Malayalam and Hindi cinema, as well as web series, including Kerala Cafe, Girls Will Be Girls, All We Imagine as Light, and Poacher.
Her career has also been marked by critical recognition. Kani won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and received the Best Actress honour at the Moscow International Film Festival for Biriyaani, cementing her reputation as one of the industry’s most fearless performers.
Despite the personal setbacks, Kani has continued to speak openly about the systemic challenges faced by women in cinema. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, she expressed cautious optimism, saying she hoped the industry would become a safer and more accountable space for women.
Before the applause and acclaim, there was a moment when actor Kani Kusruti chose to walk away. The Malayalam actor, now earning praise for her powerful turn in the upcoming film Assi, once quit acting altogether after facing sexual harassment early in her career – a decision that continues to shape her voice in the industry.
Assi, set to release in theatres on February 20, stars Taapsee Pannu as a lawyer and features Kani in a demanding lead role as a rape survivor. The performance has already drawn attention for its restraint and emotional depth, adding another milestone to Kani’s two-decade-long career.
During a film screening in 2019, Kani spoke candidly about the circumstances that forced her to step away from films. She revealed that repeated sexual demands from filmmakers left her deeply distressed. According to the actor, the situation escalated to a point where attempts were allegedly made to pressure her mother as well.
She said, "I always wanted to be an artiste in the cinema industry. But once I came in, I realised that I wouldn't be able to make it. There were lots of adjustments that needed to be done and a lot of restrictions were imposed for being a female actor. I found it hard to survive, hence I decided to drop the idea of becoming an actress."
"Many even came to my mom telling that her daughter should make adjustments if she wants to be the part of the project," she added.
Following her exit from cinema, Kani returned to theatre, where she had first made her mark. She was initially recognised for her work in the play Bhagavadajjukam, and theatre became both a refuge and a space for creative renewal. However, financial constraints eventually compelled her to return to films.
Born in a small village in Kerala to social activist parents, Kani made her film debut in the 2003 Malayalam film Anyar. Over the years, she has built an eclectic body of work across Malayalam and Hindi cinema, as well as web series, including Kerala Cafe, Girls Will Be Girls, All We Imagine as Light, and Poacher.
Her career has also been marked by critical recognition. Kani won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and received the Best Actress honour at the Moscow International Film Festival for Biriyaani, cementing her reputation as one of the industry’s most fearless performers.
Despite the personal setbacks, Kani has continued to speak openly about the systemic challenges faced by women in cinema. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, she expressed cautious optimism, saying she hoped the industry would become a safer and more accountable space for women.