Anurag Kashyap’s much-awaited action thriller Kennedy is all set to make its India debut after garnering attention on the international film festival circuit. Ahead of its OTT release, the makers have unveiled the official trailer, giving fans a first look at the dark and intense world of the titular hitman. Starring Rahul Bhat in the lead, Kennedy promises a violent, adrenaline-pumping ride, following a man living a double life while confronting danger, love, and his own moral boundaries.
The trailer introduces audiences to Uday Shetty, aka Kennedy, played by Rahul Bhat. In a chilling voiceover, he reveals, “My name is Uday Shetty. In the last six years, I have killed so many people that I have lost count of them.” By day, Kennedy is a seemingly ordinary cab driver, but by night, he carries out hits on behalf of the police commissioner. His life takes an unexpected turn after a chance encounter with Sunny Leone’s character, who becomes entangled in his dangerous world. As the story unfolds, Kennedy must navigate threats from both the law and those hunting him, making the stakes higher with every passing moment.
Anurag Kashyap took to Instagram to share his excitement about the film’s OTT release, writing, “Finally, our labour of love, angst and everything in between—Kennedy—is coming home after travelling the world on @zee5. All I can say is that I am grateful for having been able to make this film, for my team, my producers, my studio, and at the end of the day—jab jab jo jo hona hai, tab tab so so hota (everything happens in its own time).” His post reflects the passion and dedication poured into the project, which has already made a mark internationally.
Kennedy had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, where it was screened in the Midnight Screenings section and received a remarkable seven-minute standing ovation. The film has since travelled to numerous prestigious festivals, including the Sydney International Film Festival (Australia), Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (South Korea), Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (Switzerland), MOTELX – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival, Indie Meme Film Festival (Austin, Texas), Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Australia), London Indian Film Festival (UK), Fantastic Fest (USA), Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Kolkata International Film Festival, among others.
The film explores the life of Kennedy, a former police officer long presumed dead, who continues to operate within a corrupt system while seeking redemption for his past. His insomnia and moral conflicts shape a story that is as psychological as it is action-packed, presenting audiences with a character caught between survival and conscience.
Alongside Rahul Bhat, the film stars Sunny Leone, Mohit Takalkar, Abhilash Thapliyal, and Megha Burman in pivotal roles, each contributing to the tense and immersive atmosphere of the thriller. Produced under Good Bad Films and presented by Zee Studios, Kennedy combines Anurag Kashyap’s signature dark storytelling with high-octane action sequences, ensuring an intense viewing experience.
Fans can stream Kennedy on Zee5 starting February 20. The trailer, packed with suspense, action, and intriguing character dynamics, has already set the tone for what promises to be one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year. With its international acclaim and gripping storyline, the film is expected to resonate with both domestic and global audiences, highlighting the evolving landscape of Indian thrillers on OTT platforms.