Rahul Bhat, the seasoned actor currently captivating audiences with his role as DSP Rajesh Tomar in the Netflix thriller series Black Warrant, has voiced his disappointment and frustration over the delayed release of his film Kennedy in India. The Anurag Kashyap-directed neo-noir thriller, which premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2023, is still awaiting a theatrical release in the country.
Bhat, who plays the titular role of Kennedy, an insomniac ex-police officer operating within a corrupt system, expressed his feelings in a recent interview, stating, "It hurts because…the whole purpose of art is to reach people. If it doesn't reach people, then what's the point?" He emphasized that acting is meant to be seen and reviewed by audiences, and the delay deprives the film of its intended purpose.
The actor recalled the overwhelming response Kennedy received at various international film festivals, including Cannes, Toronto, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Tickets for screenings were sold out within minutes, demonstrating the anticipation and interest in the film. In Kolkata, the demand was so high that a lathi charge was needed to manage the crowds. Despite this global acclaim and positive reception, Kennedy remains unavailable to Indian audiences.
Bhat criticized the industry's reluctance to support unconventional cinema, noting that audiences are often blamed for not attending theaters, even when diverse films rarely receive a fair theatrical run. He questioned, "They say that people don't come to theatres. But if you don't screen diverse films, how will they come?" He also pointed to the high cost of tickets and the lack of variety as deterrents for moviegoers. The actor further emphasized the need for dedicated spaces for independent films in India, similar to those in Western countries.
Anurag Kashyap, the director of Kennedy, has also previously acknowledged the stalled status of the film. Kashyap has mentioned the film's release is in the hands of people who are inexperienced.
Kennedy marks the third collaboration between Rahul Bhat and Anurag Kashyap, following Ugly (2013) and Dobaaraa (2022). The film stars Sunny Leone alongside Bhat, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release. Bhat has consistently praised Kashyap, acknowledging the director's significant role in his career revival and considers him a "genius."
While the delay of Kennedy's release is disheartening for Bhat, he remains active in the industry. His performance in Black Warrant has been lauded by critics, with many considering it one of his most worthy roles since Ugly. He also won the Best Supporting Actor (Male) at the OTTplay Awards 2025 for Black Warrant. Bhat was also seen attending the Cannes Film Festival this year with his Hollywood-bound film 'Lost and Found in Kumbh'.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Kennedy's release, Rahul Bhat remains hopeful that the film will eventually reach Indian audiences. He believes that the hard work and dedication of the entire team deserve to be seen and appreciated, and he looks forward to the day when Kennedy finally makes its way to Indian screens.
