Assi actor Kani Kusruti once quit acting due to harassment, then made a comeback
Award-winning actor Kani Kushruti, who plays a rape victim in the upcoming film Assi, quit acting after facing harassment once. Assi, which also stars Taapsee Pannu, is scheduled to release in February 2026.
Before the applause and appreciation, there came a moment when actor Kani Kusruti decided to walk away. Malayalam actor, now earning praise for his powerful turn in the upcoming film AsiShe quit acting altogether once she faced sexual harassment early in her career – a decision that continued to shape her voice in the industry.
AsiSet to release across theaters on February 20, it stars Taapsee Pannu in the role of a lawyer and Kani in the lead role of a rape victim. The performance has already garnered attention for its restraint and emotional depth, adding another milestone to Kani’s two-decade-long career.
During a film screening in 2019, Kani opened up about the circumstances that forced him to move away from films. She revealed that the repeated sexual demands made by the filmmakers had left her deeply troubled. According to the actor, the situation escalated to such an extent that an attempt was allegedly made to put pressure on his mother as well.
She said, “I always wanted to be an artiste in the cinema industry. But once I got in, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to do that. There were many adjustments that needed to be made and many restrictions were imposed on being a female actor. It was difficult for me to survive, so I decided to give up the idea of becoming an actress.”
She further added, “Many people also came to my mother and said that if her daughter wants to be a part of this project then she should make adjustments.”
After exiting cinema, Kani returned to theatre, where he first made his mark. He was initially recognized for his work in the drama BhagavadajjukamAnd theater became both a refuge and a space for creative renewal. However, financial constraints eventually forced him to return to films.
Born to social worker parents in a small village in Kerala, Kani started her film career in 2003 with a Malayalam film. Anyar. Over the years, he has created a diverse body of work in Malayalam and Hindi cinema as well as web series Kerala Cafe, girls will be girls, We imagine everything as lightAnd poacher.
His career has also been marked by critical recognition. Kani won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress and received the Best Actress honor at the Moscow International Film Festival biryanicementing his reputation as one of the industry’s most fearless performers.
Despite 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 place for women.