Kennedy Movie Review: Anurag Kashyap delivers a moody, measured and morally unsettling drama

‘Kennedy,’ directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a crime drama that carries an emotional heaviness and refuses to dilute its intent.

• Kennedy, directed by Anurag Kashyap, streams on Zee5 from Feb 20
• Rahul Bhat stars as a morally conflicted ex-cop in a bleak drama
• The film focuses on psychological depth over action or spectacle

Did our AI summary help?

'Kennedy,’ directed by Anurag Kashyap, began streaming on Zee5 on 20 February and stars Rahul Bhat, Sunny Leone, Mohit Takalkar, Abhilash Thapliyal, and Shrikant Yadav.

‘Kennedy,’ directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a crime drama that carries an emotional heaviness and refuses to dilute its intent. The film, centered on a corrupt cop who helps the police commissioner carry out his illegal schemes, marks a return of vintage Anurag Kashyap style.

Back to bleak storytelling

Rather than building itself around spectacle or dramatic twists, the film stays focused on one damaged man and the system that has quietly shaped and trapped him over time. The tone remains serious and controlled from beginning to end, and there is little effort to guide the audience’s emotions through obvious cues. Instead, the storytelling relies on mood and gradual revelation. This approach gives the film a certain integrity, though it also makes the viewing experience demanding.

Living in the shadows of the system

The story follows Kennedy, also known as Uday Shetty (Rahul Bhat), a former cop who is officially declared dead but secretly kept alive within a corrupt system. This scheme is created by Mumbai Police Commissioner Rasheed Khan (Mohit Takalkar) and carried out by Sub-Inspector Abhijit Kaale, who gives Kennedy unofficial tasks that cannot be recorded. Set during the pandemic, Rasheed Khan is six months from retirement and focused on building wealth through extortion and blackmail.

When attention turns to Kennedy, he is hailed as a “hero” of the previous government, and Khan seeks to make the most of his skills. As Kennedy completes these assignments, the film also shows his emotional distance from his estranged wife and daughter, highlighting that the consequences of his choices go far beyond his professional life.

A city that mirrors the man

The portrayal of Mumbai adds depth to the story, showing the city as dark and distant. The pandemic backdrop reinforces this sense of isolation without taking over the story. The camera often keeps a careful distance, and the background score stays subtle, supporting the mood rather than overwhelming it. Anurag demonstrates his skill at the start of the film when a murder takes place, set to Russian composer Tchaikovsky’s music in the background.

The pacing can feel uneven, especially in the middle, where some scenes stay longer than needed. At times, the film seems more focused on atmosphere than on moving the plot forward, which may be challenging for viewers expecting a fast thriller. Even so, this slow, deliberate pacing gives the film a unique personality. Special mention must go to Sylvester Fonseca’s cinematography, which is exceptional and adds a striking visual layer to the story.

Rahul Bhat steal the show

Rahul Bhat delivers a performance that anchors the film with quiet intensity and controlled emotion. He avoids dramatic flourishes and instead shows Kennedy’s fatigue and moral conflict through silences and body language, making it feel natural. His portrayal is unglamorous and deeply human, marked by regret and compromise.

Sunny Leone, as Charlie, gives a restrained and balanced performance that brings softness to an otherwise harsh world. Shrikant Yadav as Abhijeet Kaale feels very real and believable, while Mohit Takalkar as Rasheed Khan convincingly shows both authority and greed. The actors all help maintain the film’s tone, making the world feel cohesive rather than exaggerated.

Also read: Kennedy trailer out: Rahul Bhatstars in Anurag Kashyap’s gritty homecoming film

This film is firm in its vision

‘Kennedy’ emerges as a solid film that remains committed to its vision despite its minor flaws. The film has flashes of Kashyap’s indulgences, and the slow pacing may alienate some viewers, but the film never feels careless or insincere. It does not glorify violence or position its central character as a heroic figure; instead, it presents survival as a series of morally blurred decisions.

That honesty gives the narrative weight and credibility. While it may not appeal to those seeking conventional thrills, it offers a reflective and character-driven experience that stays with you after the credits. ‘Kennedy’ stands apart from routine crime dramas because it prioritizes psychological depth over spectacle.

Rating: 3.5/5