Kennedy trailer: Rahul Bhat turns lethal in Anurag Kashyap's noir world

The trailer for Kennedy, directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, has been released ahead of the film's digital premiere on Zee5. The film, already praised at international festivals, is set to arrive for Indian audiences on February 20, 2026.

This marks a significant moment as viewers get their first detailed look at the much-anticipated project.

Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in Kennedy

Rahul Bhat appears in the lead role as Kennedy, delivering a performance that is both intense and deeply unsettling. The trailer showcases his restrained yet layered portrayal of a man navigating a morally ambiguous world. Sunny Leone is also featured with a compelling on-screen presence, promising a dynamic cast. The preview hints at a story where violence, guilt, and redemption are closely intertwined.

Anurag Kashyap's noir style

The film’s trailer immerses viewers in Kashyap’s signature noir universe, marked by a dark and brooding visual style. According to the streaming platform, the film is "darker, deadlier, and undeniably Kashyap." The mood and tone set by the trailer suggest a fearless and bold approach by the director, staying true to his established filmmaking sensibilities.

Direct-To-Ott release

Kennedy will bypass a traditional theatrical release, premiering directly on the Zee5 streaming platform. Zee5 announced the release on social media with the statement, "System ne Kennedy ko ek hathiyaar banaya tha, par yeh woh hathiyaar hai, jo system se nahin apni marzi se chalta hai (The system had created Kennedy as a weapon, but this is a weapon that operates not at the system's command, but according to its own will)! #Kennedy premieres 20th Feb, only on #ZEE5."

International film festival success

A few days before the trailer launch, the filmmaker described the project as "finally coming home." This homecoming comes after Kennedy garnered attention and recognition at festivals such as Cannes, Mami, and Mitti. The film’s international festival run has heightened expectations among Indian viewers.

All about the plot and ensemble cast

The story of Kennedy centres on Uday Shetty, a former police officer presumed dead. Under the alias Kennedy, he operates as a hitman in a fractured and corrupt system. The character grapples with insomnia, addiction, and personal turmoil, exploring themes of psychological struggle, violence, and a desperate search for redemption.

In addition to Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, the cast includes Mohit Takalkar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Megha Burman, Shrikant Yadav, Kurush Deboo, Karishma Modi, and Aamir Dalvi. The film is written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, and produced under the Good Bad Films banner with Zee Studios presenting.