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After a long and uncertain journey, Anurag Kashyap’s much-discussed neo-noir thriller Kennedy is finally set to reach Indian audiences. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and went on to tour several global film festivals, never found a theatrical release in India despite receiving certification clearance. Nearly three years after its international debut, Kennedy is now gearing up for a direct-to-digital release, offering viewers a long-awaited chance to watch the film at home.

Kennedy OTT release date and platform

The makers have confirmed that Kennedy will stream exclusively on ZEE5. According to a report by The Times of India, the Anurag Kashyap directorial is scheduled to premiere on the platform on February 20, 2026. The announcement was shared by Kashyap himself on Instagram, where he posted the film’s teaser and expressed gratitude for the journey the project has taken before finding its digital home on ZEE5.

Kennedy had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, where it was screened in the Midnight Screenings section. The film received a strong response at the prestigious event, including an extended standing ovation. Following Cannes, it was showcased at several international festivals such as the Sydney Film Festival, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea, Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival in Switzerland, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the London Indian Film Festival, Fantastic Fest in the US, the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Kolkata International Film Festival, among others.

Despite this extensive global run and critical appreciation, the film remained out of reach for Indian audiences for years, adding to the anticipation surrounding its OTT debut.

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A post shared by Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap10)

What Kennedy is about

The neo-noir thriller centres on Uday Shetty, played by Rahul Bhat, an insomniac former police officer who is officially believed to be dead. Living under the assumed identity of Kennedy, he navigates Mumbai’s criminal underbelly while working as a hired operative within a corrupt police system. Haunted by guilt and moral conflict, his life takes a turn after he encounters a mysterious woman named Charlie, portrayed by Sunny Leone. The story explores themes of corruption, redemption and inner turmoil against a dark, atmospheric backdrop.

Cast, crew and production details

Presented by Zee Studios and produced by Good Bad Films, Kennedy stars Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Mohit Takalkar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Megha Burman, and a special appearance by poet Aamir Aziz. The film was written during the lockdown period and shot largely at night across Mumbai over a tight 30-day schedule. Its background score, recorded in Prague with the Prague Philharmonic Choir, adds to the film’s brooding tone.