'Kennedy' trailer review: Anurag Kashyap promises a darkly delicious neo-noir film that brings out Rahul Bhat's prowess

There is something about the way Anurag Kashyap portrays violence in his film. Unlike several of the recent releases which relies heavily on gore and keeps violence to enhance the hypermasculinity, Anurag Kashyap makes it look very organic. And that's what really looks alluring in the darkly delicious trailer of his upcoming neo-noir film, Kennedy.

Kennedy is probably one of the most-awaited films for a very long time. Loved by the audience of festival circuits who watched it, the aam janta was waiting for the film for almost three years before it finally got its OTT release date. And now, with the trailer, it feels like Anurag Kashyap is boldly announcing - Uday Shetty is almost here.

Rahul Bhat is Uday Shetty aka Kennedy, cab driver by day and killer by night

Kennedy trailer wastes no time in plunging viewers into a world of moral decay, violence, and existential despair. The star of the trailer, and the film, is undoubtedly Rahul Bhat. From the cop in Black Warrant, he turns to a contract killer (though he shot for Kennedy first) and it is a delight to see him on screen. Stabbing, bludgeoning, throwing people off, even blasting buildings - you name it and he is already doing it to kill people.

The mood is immediately set through sparse dialogue, shadow-heavy frames, and a persistent sense of paranoia. The visuals lean heavily into classic noir textures: rain-soaked streets, flickering neon, cramped interiors, and an almost suffocating stillness between bursts of violence. Kashyap’s trademark grit is unmistakable, but here it feels more controlled and introspective, trading shock value for simmering tension.

Sunny Leone brings emotional complexity

Sunny Leone appears as Charlie, a mysterious figure whose emotional fragility adds another layer to the film’s bleak world. Her scenes suggest vulnerability and inner conflict, positioning her character as more than just a narrative device. The trailer implies a relationship that is equal parts refuge and complication, heightening the emotional stakes.

Stylistically, Kennedy feels like a culmination of Kashyap’s long fascination with crime, corruption, and broken men. The trailer leans into stylised action, haunting imagery, and long stretches of silence, allowing mood and tension to do the heavy lifting rather than exposition.

Unlike his more chaotic earlier works, this one appears measured, deliberate, and emotionally weighted. It feels like a noir that prioritises atmosphere and character over spectacle.

Set to premiere on ZEE5 on February 20, Kennedy looks poised to offer a dark, immersive cinematic experience that lingers long after the final frame.