'Kennedy', starring Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat has been released on ZEE5. Read on to know if the noir-thriller is worth watching.
Much-celebrated filmmaker, Anurag Kashyap has once again returned with a noir thriller, Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhatt, Sunny Leone and more. For those who do not know, the film skipped a theatrical release and premiered on Zee5 on February 20, 2026. It is also worth mentioning that the film premiered at multiple film festivals, including the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Read on to know the review of thriller, Kennedy.
The crime thriller film, Kennedy follows the life of 'Uday Shetty' (played by Rahul Bhat). 'Uday', who once faked his death, now is living a dual life. He drives a cab at night while secretly carrying out murders on behalf of a corrupt police commissioner, played by Mohit Takalkar. 'Uday' now lives with the name, 'Kennedy'. However, as the film progresses, viewers are introduced to 'Charlie' (played by Sunny Leone). 'Charlie' leads a complex life, who hides her true personality behind her laughter.
The best part of the movie, Kennedy is its director, Anurag Kashyap, who is well-known for dark plots, and addressing societal issues. Similar to previous films of Anurag Kashyap, Kennedy is a neo-noir crime drama, which unfolds mystery slowly and gradually. The highlight of the movie is how Anurag Kashyap uses light and shadow to give a feeling of loneliness, tension and uneasiness. He also blends crime drama with power, corruption and authority. While Anurag Kashyap's vision is mostly appreciated, some critics explained that the pace of the movie can feel slow and uneven at times.
Another highlight of the thriller is the strong, powerful and mysterious performance of Rahul and Sunny. In the movie, Rahul Bhat delivers a strong performance, whose one deadly stare is enough to change the tone of the film. Despite his intensity, his character also has an emotional depth. On the other hand, Sunny Leone as 'Charlie' delivers a mysterious role. Her screen presence hints at an emotionally layered character. Her role can also make the viewers uncomfortable. Apart from them, the supporting cast also fit the narrative perfectly.
While there are several plus points in the film, Kennedy, it is not a flawless movie. At times, the thriller can feel slow and uneven. Instead of building tension, some scenes of the film can feel unnecessary and stretched. The film focuses a lot on creating a dark atmosphere. While it creates intensity, it overshadows the plot at times. Viewers can find it difficult to follow the narrative. The climax can also be disappointing for a few users. Kennedy has a strong start; however, according to critics, it eventually fades out. Apart from this, the characters also lack emotional depth, which makes it difficult for the audience to understand them.
Despite the highlights and flaws, Kennedy is a one-time watch. If you enjoy mystery thrillers, then Kennedy is for you. The strong performances by the lead cast, Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone will keep you hooked to the movie till the end. Users who like psychological crime drama will also enjoy the movie. However, if you are not ready for slow pace and heavy narrative, then Anurag Kashyap's film might not be for you.
What are your thoughts on the thriller, Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone? Let us know.
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