Written and Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Language: Hindi
Mould: Rahul Bhatt, Sunny Leone, Mohit Takalkar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Megha Burman
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Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
platform: ZEE5
Rating: 3.5/5
Kennedy Movie Review: Kennedy marks Anurag Kashyap’s long-awaited return to the neo-noir landscape, which he commands very expertly. After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023 and a journey of almost three years leading up to its OTT debut, the film has finally arrived on ZEE5 and it has proven to be worth the wait.
Starring Rahul Bhatt and Sunny Leone, Kennedy is a haunting neo-noir thriller that tells the story of an insomniac former policeman named Uday Shetty, presumed dead, who is now working as a contract killer within a morally bankrupt system.
Music that increases every stress
From its opening moments, Kennedy establishes the mood through sight as well as sound. The change in music and tone of the film seems to be very thoughtful and deliberate. Nothing ever seems excessive. When the soundtrack suddenly goes quiet, it catches you off guard in a way that mirrors the chaos on screen, but it also gives the moment a chance to breathe rather than overwhelm it.
The soundtrack and sound design deepen the film’s dark psychological terrain. When used sparingly, the music heightens the tension and emotional resonance at key points, perfectly complementing Kashyap’s visual language. The devastating silences that permeate the empty rooms, and perhaps even Kennedy’s soul, are as powerful as the score.
Kennedy is Shikhar Kashyap in appearance. The cinematography is meticulously crafted, creating an atmosphere that is unsettling yet hypnotically captivating. Against the eerie emptiness of pandemic-era Mumbai, the deserted streets become characters in their own right. Overall, visually Kashyap has once again proved his ability to transform urban chaos into visual poetry.
outstanding artist performance
Rahul Bhatt gives a career-defining performance as Uday Shetty. Playing the role of a disgraced former policeman who is now working as a hitman, he brings real depth to the life of a man trapped in the Mumbai underworld.
Bhat sometimes evokes Sanjay Dutt’s imposing screen presence, particularly through his impressive physique. His raw physicality and gravelly voice reinforce the character’s intimidating aura, while subtle emotional cracks reveal Kennedy’s vulnerability beneath the violence. Bhat deftly balances brutality with brutality, making Uday both terrifying and tragically human.
Sunny Leone brings a mysterious charm to the screen. While his performance is admirable, his laugh is distinct, shrill and oddly addictive. Although her acting is strong in its own right, that unforgettable laugh becomes a defining motif that echoes like a dark undertone throughout the film.
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March to “The Night” in tempo and slow motion
Kennedy deliberately moves at a slow pace, embracing his neo-noir roots. Yet it never really feels dull. The carefully orchestrated music and sound design ensures that the tension is constantly simmering beneath the surface.
There are moments when you might hold your breath because of the rising suspense. And as the intensity peaks, Kashyap allows a brief release, only to bring it back in moments of unease later.
Periodically, the screen fades to black, revealing the number of nights remaining until “The Night”. These chapter-like interruptions serve as little cliffhangers, heightening anticipation and adding structure to the slow pace. When the reveal comes out, it’s a mix of dark entertainment and narrative payoff.
final call
Kennedy is a dark, slow-paced thriller that relies heavily on mood, quiet tension, and what’s going on beneath the surface. It doesn’t feel rushed, it lets the silence and atmosphere do a lot of the talking. Rahul Bhatt delivers the film with a gripping, intense performance, while the sharp sound design and striking visuals draw you even deeper into its world. Overall, it’s a strong reminder of Anurag Kashyap’s knack for crafting entertaining neo-noir stories.