Kennedy out on OTT: Here's where you can finally stream Anurag Kashyap's gritty neo-noir thriller

Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy hits ZEE5 Feb 20, 2026. After Cannes acclaim, this gritty neo-noir stars Rahul Bhat as a "dead" hitman ex-cop navigating Mumbai’s corruption alongside Sunny Leone.

Rahul Bhat in a still from Kennedy

The highly anticipated neo-noir criminal thriller Kennedy by Anurag Kashyap finally debuted on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) today, February 20, 2026, after making a public splash at film festivals around the world. Years of anticipation began with the film's international premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, and now, with its digital launch, it is finally getting a wide distribution in India.

Which global film festivals recognised Kennedy?

After being chosen for the Midnight Screenings segment at Cannes in May 2023—where it received a standing ovation lasting seven minutes—Kennedy initially gained worldwide notoriety. Several esteemed festivals have since welcomed the film, such as the Sydney Film Festival, the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.

Even though the film was well-received internationally, it did not have the usual theatrical release in India. It was the first Indian film chosen for Letterboxd's Video Store in late 2025; hence, it temporarily gained international attention. But the film finally becomes available to the wider Indian public with today's debut on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).

ALSO READ: Kennedy on OTT: From 'Pump Trump' to 'Pakistan Don', CBFC hurdles behind the India release of Anurag Kashyap film

What is the plot of Kennedy?

The plot follows Rahul Bhat's character, Uday Shetty, through a post-lockdown Mumbai. Former police officer Shetty, who is legally presumed dead but lives in hiding, suffers from sleeplessness. The corrupt system employs him as a contract killer, and he secretly completes duties for high-ranking authorities.

The protagonist, Shetty, faces moral deterioration and his guilt throughout the film, which delves into his inner turmoil. Charlie, played by the mysterious and vulnerable Sunny Leone, crosses his path at some point. Leone's character adds emotional depth to Shetty's bleak fate, serving as the story's spark.

Who are the key cast and crew members?

Bhat and Kashyap have worked together on two prior films, Ugly (2013) and Dobaaraa (2022), and Kennedy is their third collaboration overall. Aamir Dalvi plays Saleem Kattawala, Megha Burman plays Anuradha, Mohit Takalkar plays Commissioner Rasheed Khan, and Abhilash Thapliyal plays Chandan.

The cinematography by Sylvester Fonseca—renowned for his ambient lighting and gritty urban visuals—and the technical production both highlight the "noir" image. Featuring Vishal Dadlani's newly released single The Night Anthem and the Prague Philharmonic Choir, the film's score adds to its ominous mood.

How does Kennedy compare to Anurag Kashyap's previous works?

Kennedy is a return to Kashyap's earlier, more character-driven, gloomy storytelling. Psychological tension and the systematic corruption of urban life take centre stage, but the film eschews the standard plot devices of Bollywood action flicks. Critics have praised Leone for playing a more complex and "enigmatic" character in a high-stakes drama, which is a break from her usual performances.

Viewers around the world can enjoy Kennedy with subtitles on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) in either Hindi or English.

Kennedy FAQs:

Q: Where can I watch the movie Kennedy in India?

A: As of February 20, 2026, Kennedy is available for streaming exclusively on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium). The film skipped a traditional theatrical release in India, opting for a direct-to-digital premiere on this platform.

Q: Why was the release of Kennedy delayed for nearly three years?

A: Despite a successful world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, Kennedy's release was stalled due to financial struggles at the backing studio and the exit of key executives who had initially supported the project. It eventually found its home on ZEE5 after clearing these distribution hurdles.

Q: How long is the runtime of the movie Kennedy?

A: The official runtime of Kennedy as certified by the CBFC, is 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 54 seconds.

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