Actor Kani Kusruti, known for her strong performances in Malayalam cinema, is currently receiving attention for her role in Assi. However, the actress has candidly admitted that she often asks Hindi filmmakers not to cast her due to language limitations.
Kani, who has impressed international audiences with All We Imagine As Light, has also appeared in notable projects such as Girls Will Be Girls and Kerala Cafe.
Why She Tells Filmmakers ‘Please Don’t Cast Me’
In a recent interview with The Indian Express, Kani explained that she is not fluent in Hindi and finds it difficult to process and memorise lengthy dialogues.
She revealed that since she primarily thinks in Malayalam, learning Hindi lines requires additional effort and time. According to her, not being fully comfortable with the language limits the kind of roles she can confidently accept.
She shared that she often tells filmmakers directly, “Please don’t cast me,” if the role demands fluency she does not possess.
How ‘Assi’ Made It Possible
Speaking about Assi, Kani noted that the project worked because director Anubhav Sinha shaped her character as someone from Kerala. This creative decision made the linguistic aspect authentic rather than forced.
She mentioned that if the character had been written as someone from North India, she might have struggled significantly with the dialogue delivery.
In the film, she stars alongside Taapsee Pannu, who plays her lawyer.
About ‘Assi’
Assi is a courtroom drama set in New Delhi. The story revolves around Parima, a sexual assault survivor fighting for justice, with her legal battle forming the emotional and narrative core of the film.
Kani portrays Parima, while Taapsee plays Raavi, the determined lawyer representing her. The film explores themes of justice, women’s safety, and resilience.
The movie reportedly collected around ₹35 crore worldwide and received appreciation for its performances and socially relevant storytelling.
Staying Rooted in Identity
Kani also emphasised that language and cultural identity are deeply important to her. She proudly identifies as Malayali and prefers roles where she can perform with authenticity rather than struggle with unfamiliar linguistic demands.
Despite the challenges, her performance in Assi once again demonstrates her range and commitment — proving that honest self-awareness can coexist with artistic ambition.
