From ‘Pink’ to ‘Assi’: How Taapsee Pannu Redefined Versatility in Modern Cinema

With the release of her latest investigative thriller, Assi, actress Taapsee Pannu continues to solidify her reputation as one of the most versatile performers in the Indian film industry. Over the past decade, Taapsee has transitioned from a South Indian film star to a powerhouse of Hindi cinema, intentionally selecting roles that span courtroom dramas, sports biopics, and high-octane action thrillers. As Assi begins its theatrical run this February 2026, industry analysts are noting Taapsee's unique ability to anchor issue-led cinema without succumbing to the limitations of a single genre. ‘Assi’ Trailer: Taapsee Pannu Plays Fearless Lawyer Fighting Rape Case in Anubhav Sinha’s Courtroom Drama (Watch Video)

Taapsee Pannu Shines in Socially Driven Roles

Taapsee's rise to prominence was largely defined by her work in socially conscious narratives. Her role in Pink (2016) served as a landmark moment in Indian cinema, tackling the nuances of consent and victim-blaming. She followed this with Thappad (2020), delivering an emotionally charged performance as a woman re-evaluating her marriage after a single act of domestic violence. These roles established her as an actor capable of carrying heavy, real-world stories that resonate deeply with domestic audiences.

Taapsee Pannu’s Thriller Queen Image

Moving beyond social commentary, Taapsee has frequently explored the thriller genre. In Naam Shabana (2017), she portrayed a fierce undercover agent, undergoing rigorous physical training to perform her own stunts. She furthered this "mystery queen" persona with Badla (2019), playing a calculated businesswoman opposite Amitabh Bachchan and the "pulp-fiction" inspired Haseen Dillruba (2021). Her latest project, Assi (2026), marks a return to this space. In the film, she plays an investigator navigating a complex web of legal and moral dilemmas, further proving her ease in anchoring intense, suspenseful narratives. Mohit Chauhan, Taapsee Pannu, and Anubhav Sinha Champion Jal Vaani Nationwide Campaign with National Water Mission, Urge Citizens to Save Water Daily.

Taapsee Pannu Excels in Sports Biopics

Taapsee has also become a go-to choose for biographical sports dramas, often undergoing significant physical transformations for her roles.

• In Saand Ki Aankh (2019), she used prosthetics and intensive training to portray real-life sharpshooter Prakashi Tomar.
• In Shabaash Mithu (2022), she stepped into the shoes of Mithali Raj, the former captain of the Indian women's cricket team, earning praise for her technical dedication to the sport.

Taapsee Pannu Shows Versatility in Lighter Roles

While known for her "serious" filmography, Taapsee has recently leaned into lighter, character-driven roles. She showcased raw, modern emotional turbulence in Anurag Kashyap's Manmarziyaan (2018) and balanced comedy with social satire in Dunki (2023) alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Most recently, her turn in the ensemble comedy Khel Khel Mein (2024) highlighted a comedic timing that many critics found refreshing. ‘Madha Gaja Raja’: Did You Know Taapsee Pannu Was Originally Cast As the Female Lead in Vishal-Sundar C’s Long-Delayed Film?

Watch ‘Assi’ Trailer:

Taapsee Pannu Says She Refuses To Be Typecast

By balancing massive commercial projects like Mission Mangal (2019) with independent, gritty thrillers like Assi, Taapsee has managed to avoid the "typecasting" trap that often affects many of her contemporaries. “I’ve always wanted to be an actor who can’t be put in a box,” Taapsee noted in a recent promotional interview for Assi. “Whether it’s a sports field, a courtroom, or a comedy, the goal is to make the audience forget they are watching Taapsee and instead see the woman in the story.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2026 12:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).