Kennedy REVIEW: Anurag Kashyap, Rahul Bhat Ride A Gritty, Intense Journey But In An Uneven Cop Saga

Film:
Kennedy

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Writer: Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Rahul Bhat, Sunny Leone, Mohit Takalkar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Shrikant Yadav, Megha Burman, Kurush Deboo, Karishma Modi, Aamir Dalvi

Platform: Zee5

Runtime: 147 Mins (2 Hours 27 Mins)

Kennedy Review

The film delves into the troubled world of Uday Shetty, played by Rahul Bhat, a former cop presumed dead by society. Living in the shadows under the alias ‘Kennedy,’ he becomes a cold, relentless contract enforcer entangled in a corrupt system. With insomnia fueling his restless existence, Kennedy walks a fine line between violence and vulnerability, searching for redemption amid chaos. The film explores themes of corruption, identity, and salvation through his complex psyche. With a gritty and intense narrative, it captures a man torn between his dark past and the hope for a new beginning. Scroll down to read our review what is stored in Kennedy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap10)

What Works

The film excels through Rahul Bhat’s nuanced performance as Kennedy and Anurag Kashyap’s confident direction. Bhat’s portrayal captures the fragile line between madness and persistence, providing emotional depth. Kashyap’s gritty, immersive style, marked by raw intensity and violence, creates a visceral atmosphere. The carefully crafted visuals add to the unsettling yet captivating tone. The seamless integration of performance and direction results in a film that feels personal and authentic. Its relentless pacing mirrors the protagonist’s psyche, making for an intense, immersive viewing experience that is both visceral and compelling.

What Doesn’t Work

The film’s fast pace and dense narrative can feel overwhelming at times. Kashyap’s rapid storytelling leaves little room to breathe, which may fatigue viewers and hinder emotional connection. His frequent plot twists, while intriguing, sometimes cause the story to lose momentum and struggle to fully engage the audience. The intense brutality and chaos, though compelling, might alienate those preferring a more measured pace. Additionally, the recurring motifs of systemic illness, both literal and metaphorical, feel underdeveloped, leaving certain themes superficial and underexplored. Overall, the film’s relentless energy risks overshadowing deeper emotional and thematic depth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

Technical Analysis

Direction

Kashyap’s bold, uncompromising direction guides the film through its twists with authority. While the unpredictable narrative adds to its gritty charm, it occasionally feels like the story stalls without a strong emotional payoff. His raw, intense style enhances the story but also worsens pacing issues. Despite this, Kashyap’s mastery over tone and mood creates a disturbing yet captivating atmosphere that highlights the film’s themes. Ultimately, his vision makes Kennedy as much a reflection of his style as it is Bhat’s performance, skillfully balancing chaos and control to create a provocative, immersive experience.

Writing & Screenplay

The screenplay is layered and intricate, reflecting Kashyap’s signature complex storytelling. While this adds depth and richness, it may alienate viewers preferring a simpler narrative. The script weaves themes of systemic illness, obsession, and violence into a dense, engaging tapestry, though it can sometimes feel overstuffed and unclear amid its twists. The sharp, gritty dialogue suits the tone but can occasionally become verbose, slowing momentum and reducing immediacy. Overall, the film’s complexity enhances its depth but may challenge audiences seeking straightforward storytelling.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

Music

The soundtrack and sound design support the film’s dark tone effectively. Used sparingly, the music heightens tension and emotional resonance at key moments, complementing Kashyap’s visual style. The subtle scoring enriches the visceral atmosphere, intensifying the sense of chaos and brutality that defines Kennedy’s world.

Star Performances

Rahul Bhat’s performance is a highlight, masterfully balancing Kennedy’s brutality with vulnerability. His portrayal makes the character both menacing and tragic, anchoring the film amid its chaos. The supporting cast also contributes well, enhancing the gritty realism Kashyap aims for. The combined strength of performances and Kashyap’s direction creates a cinematic experience that is both compelling and unsettling.

Conclusion

Kennedy excels in performances and direction, offering a visceral, authentic portrait of a troubled hitman. Anurag Kashyap’s relentless pacing creates an intense, often disconcerting atmosphere, highlighting the character’s oscillation between persistence and madness. The film’s brutality feels systemic rather than personal, emphasising the protagonist’s chaos. It is as much Kashyap’s vision as Rahul Bhat’s showcase, blending raw intensity with emotional depth. Despite pacing issues and dense narrative, Kennedy remains a bold, gritty, and impactful film that demonstrates Kashyap’s mastery of dark, complex storytelling.

We hope our review of Kennedy will help you decide to watch it.

Watch The Trailer Of Kennedy

Also Read: Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 REVIEW: Kapil Sharma’s Bland Comedy Is Simply A Confusing And Chaotic Sequel

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.