Kennedy – the film that made the right kind of noise with a seven-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, then disappeared, and then reappeared almost like a rumour you weren’t sure was real. Written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film struggled to see the light of Indian theatres, becoming the first movie available to be streamed only on Letterboxd Video Store in December 2025. For months, Kennedy remained one of Kashyap’s most politically charged films, discussed more than actually seen. But finally, after three years, Kennedy has found its spot as an OTT release on ZEE5. Starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in the lead, the movie is a neo-noir crime thriller. Was the release worth the wait and curiosity? Read our review of Kennedy to find out.

Kennedy movie review: A thriller that stays long after the credits roll

The film follows Uday Shetty (Rahul Bhat), an ex-cop who is officially dead but very much alive in the shadows. He works as Kennedy, an undercover agent for Mumbai’s Police Commissioner Rasheed Khan. Set against the isolated backdrop of COVID-19, Kennedy murders, extorts, and blackmails people on Rasheed’s orders. He does this and more, hoping Rasheed will give him Saleem, an underworld mafia don, so Kennedy can seek vengeance. But what for? More importantly, will Rasheed really fulfil his promise to Kennedy?

Kashyap’s Kennedy is a satire on Mumbai’s underworld and Indian politics that thrives on corruption, even during a pandemic. The film unfolds over one long, chaotic night where loyalties blur and plans begin to crumble. Kennedy crosses paths with Charlie (Sunny Leone), a mysteriously bizarre woman who uses laughter as a coping mechanism. Her habit of laughing during serious situations adds a layer of hidden vulnerability in the film’s tense plot.

Why you should watch Kennedy

Kennedy isn’t a regular crime thriller. It is a slow-burn mood-piece that mirrors your moral dilemmas as a common person. The film relies heavily on political metaphors, reflecting Kashyap’s daring move in executing such a project in a politically censored climate. Every conversation, song, and setting is an important detail that carries the plot. “Jab jab bimari faili hai, tab tab ameeron ne bohot note (money) chhaapa hai” — one of the several metaphors that comment on Indian politics. Kashyap intensifies it by showing police officers demanding commission from local restaurants and bars operating during lockdown, to fill the pockets of powerful politicians.

The film is an important watch, but it is slightly difficult to grasp at first. You can miss out on certain clues as they happen simultaneously with Aamir Aziz’s satirical poetry in the background. His song, Mera Mehboob, not only summarises the film’s core themes, but also reflects Uday’s moral dilemma. Uday misses his family and his past life but he has gone too far to return. Yet he keeps trying to redeem himself for doing his duty that came at a massive cost for the people around him. 

A powerful story backed by an even stronger cast

Kennedy‘s plot is gripping on its own, but it’s the film’s actors that bring out its greatness. Rahul Bhat is the backbone of the film with an unsettling performance. He starts off as a ruthless killer who will give you a dead stare, yet you cannot look away from him. Till the end, he won’t beg for sympathy, but even then, you’ll shed some tears in silence. Rahul holds the act together with his quiet confidence. Another actor who makes the film a must-watch is Sunny Leone. It’s refreshing to watch her on screen after a long time, and she doesn’t disappoint. Sunny’s Charlie is sharp, observant, and fully aware of the games being played around her. With her addictive laugh, she brings a surprising softness to her character. Even when she is vulnerable, you’ll never see her being powerless.

Abhilash Thapliyal as Chandan, Saleem’s girlfriend’s brother, is interesting to watch. Throughout, he stays beside Kennedy, making you believe he is one of the cops working for Rasheed, until the plot reveals his truth. Chandan’s constant chatter with Kennedy adds a layer to the latter’s role.

The supporting cast includes Megha Burman, Karishma Modi, Aamir Dalvi, Kurush Deboo, Vaisakh Shankar, and Yadav Shrikant. Each character adds more depth to the story with their powerful performances.

Kennedy does not chase mass appeal. Instead, the film operates in a grey zone that pulls you in enough to reconsider your values, your political notions, and the very space you live in today. With its noir-like international elements, Kennedy stands apart from today’s mainstream Bollywood thrillers in the Indian cinematic landscape. Whether you’re a hardcore Kashyap fan, a cinephile, or just someone bored with the usual crime thrillers, Kennedy deserves your attention.

Kennedy is now streaming on ZEE 5.

Can you watch Kennedy with your family?: No, the film portrays gory themes and obscene language.

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