Bollywood’s Next Big Release: Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Kennedy’ Hits The Screens Soon
After months of anticipation and a journey marked by film festivals, censorship hurdles, and strategic releases, the much-awaited Bollywood film ‘Kennedy’ is gearing up for its grand debut. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his gritty storytelling and innovative cinematic vision, ‘Kennedy’ is set to captivate audiences across India and beyond. The film’s release is scheduled for Friday, February 20, promising a compelling addition to the contemporary Bollywood landscape.
From Cannes to the Mumbai Screen: A Prestigious Film Journey
‘Kennedy’ first made waves at the prestigious 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered to critical acclaim. Its screening at Cannes marked a significant milestone, elevating the film’s stature within the global cinema community and positioning it as a noteworthy entry in Bollywood’s neo-noir genre. Later that year, the film was showcased at the renowned Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, held at the expansive Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, which is celebrated for its commitment to fostering innovative Indian cinema.
This early recognition set high expectations among cinephiles and industry insiders alike. The film’s presence at these prominent festivals underscored Bollywood’s evolving narratives, showcasing a shift from traditional song-and-dance spectacles to more nuanced, gritty stories that reflect contemporary societal issues.
Censorship and Content Revisions: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
Before its release, ‘Kennedy’ navigated the complex terrain of India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was granted an ‘A’ certificate, indicating it was suitable only for adult audiences. However, the Examining Committee mandated several cuts to ensure compliance with censorship guidelines, leading to a series of notable alterations in the final cut.
Key modifications included:
- The explicit expletive “motherf*****” was muted in both dialogue and subtitles to adhere to the censorship norms.
- The mention of former U.S. President Donald Trump was altered to “Pump Trump,” a humorous but deliberate change to avoid political sensitivities.
- Visuals depicting fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, along with the dialogue referencing “Dawood Ibrahim in 1993,” were removed and replaced with the vague term “Pakistan Don,” to avoid direct references to real-life criminal figures.
- A degrading and potentially offensive scene in the first half, involving the phrase “Matunga, Matunga…Pungi bajaao,” lasting approximately 14 seconds, was ordered to be deleted.
- An anti-smoking static message was mandated to appear during all smoking scenes, aligning with health awareness policies.
Following these revisions, the CBFC issued the final censor certificate on November 23, 2023. The film’s runtime, officially documented as 148 minutes and 54 seconds, reflects a tightly woven narrative that balances intense storytelling with cinematic artistry.
Stellar Cast and Unique Setting: A Fresh Take on Bollywood’s Neo-Noir Genre
‘Kennedy’ stars Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in pivotal roles, bringing a powerful dynamic to this gritty thriller. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic era, the film explores themes of identity, morality, and survival through the lens of an ex-cop presumed dead by the world, yet very much alive and embroiled in a dangerous game.
The storyline follows this former law enforcement officer who, under the guise of a luxury app-based cab driver in Mumbai, is secretly working for a corrupt police commissioner. The narrative delves into the underbelly of Mumbai’s criminal underworld, blending elements of neo-noir aesthetics with Bollywood’s signature storytelling style. The film’s setting during the pandemic adds layers of societal commentary, highlighting how crisis conditions amplify issues of trust, corruption, and desperation.
Global Reach and Digital Premieres: ‘Kennedy’ Breaks New Ground
In a significant milestone for Bollywood, ‘Kennedy’ became the sole Indian film selected for the launch lineup of Letterboxd’s Video Store in December 2025. This platform, known for curating independent and international films, made ‘Kennedy’ accessible to viewers in 23 countries through the TVOD (Transactional Video On Demand) model. Interestingly, despite its global outreach, the film’s digital release initially excluded India, reflecting the nuanced complexities of releasing bold, unconventional Bollywood films in the domestic market.
However, in a recent development, it was announced that ‘Kennedy’ would premiere on the popular OTT platform Zee5 in January 2026, making it readily accessible to Indian audiences. This strategic digital debut is expected to broaden the film’s reach and spark conversations around Bollywood’s evolving genre offerings and storytelling formats.
Anticipation Builds for the Film’s Release and Trailer Launch
The excitement surrounding ‘Kennedy’ continues to grow as Bollywood fans eagerly await its release. The film’s trailer is set to be launched at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026, a prestigious cultural event in Mumbai that celebrates art, cinema, and creativity. Notably, the trailer launch event will be attended by the film’s stars Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat, along with director Anurag Kashyap, promising a grand unveiling that aligns with Bollywood’s tradition of creating buzz around new releases.
Why ‘Kennedy’ Represents a New Wave in Bollywood Cinema
As Bollywood continues to evolve, ‘Kennedy’ exemplifies the industry’s shift towards more mature, socially relevant, and genre-diverse storytelling. Anurag Kashyap, known for his bold narratives and fearless exploration of complex themes, has once again pushed the boundaries of mainstream Indian cinema. The film’s neo-noir aesthetic, combined with its gritty narrative and layered characters, signifies a new era for Bollywood—a move towards more experimental and internationalized filmmaking.
Moreover, the film’s strategic international digital presence underscores Bollywood’s expanding global footprint. With audiences worldwide increasingly seeking authentic, edgy stories from Indian cinema, ‘Kennedy’ is poised to become a benchmark for the industry’s future directions.
Conclusion: A Promising Addition to Bollywood’s Rich Tapestry
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Kennedy’ is more than just a film—it’s a statement of Bollywood’s artistic maturation and its readiness to embrace diverse genres. From its festival premieres and censorship journey to its international digital rollout and upcoming OTT release, ‘Kennedy’ embodies the dynamic spirit of contemporary Indian cinema. As fans eagerly await its release, one thing is clear: Bollywood is once again pushing creative boundaries, and ‘Kennedy’ is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this gripping neo-noir drama and be sure to catch the trailer launch at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026—an event that promises to kick off Bollywood’s latest cinematic adventure with style and substance.
