After a long wait, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s much-discussed film Kennedy is finally set to reach audiences. The neo-noir thriller will premiere on the OTT platform ZEE5 this Friday, February 20, instead of a theatrical release. While anticipation around the film has been high due to its festival journey, fresh attention has now turned toward the changes ordered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
CBFC Grants ‘A’ Certificate With Modifications
The CBFC has cleared Kennedy with an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate. Despite this classification, the certification process reportedly involved multiple alterations. According to industry sources, the censor body instructed the makers to mute certain strong-language dialogues and subtitles before approval.
One of the most talked-about changes involves a reference to former US President Donald Trump, which has been altered to “Pump Trump.” Additionally, visual references and dialogue mentioning underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim—including a line referencing the year 1993—were removed. These mentions were replaced with the more generic term “Pakistan Don.”
Dialogues and Scenes Removed
Apart from name changes, the CBFC also ordered the deletion of a 14-second dialogue sequence from the first half of the film. The line reportedly included the phrase “Matunga Matunga… Play the Pungi,” which was removed entirely. Furthermore, all scenes depicting smoking were instructed to carry statutory anti-smoking messages, in line with standard certification guidelines.
Following compliance with these directions, Kennedy officially received its certificate on November 23, 2023.
Runtime and Format Details
After all mandated edits, the final runtime of Kennedy stands at 148 minutes and 54 seconds, translating to approximately 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 54 seconds. The film’s length and mature content position it as a dark, intense narrative, consistent with Anurag Kashyap’s signature style.
Festival Journey Before Digital Release
Before its OTT debut, Kennedy had a notable run on the international festival circuit. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, where it received attention for its gritty storytelling and visual style. It was later screened at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, further building curiosity among cinephiles.
Despite this exposure, the makers opted for a direct-to-digital release, making it accessible to a wider audience through streaming.
Cast and Characters
Kennedy stars Rahul Bhatt in the titular role, with Sunny Leone playing the female lead. The supporting cast includes Abhilash Thapliyal, Megha Burman, Aamir Dalvi, Kurush Deboo, and Abhishek Deswal.
Plot Set Against the Pandemic
Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy follows the story of a former police officer who is officially declared dead but is secretly alive. Living a double life, he works as a taxi driver while operating under the control of a corrupt Mumbai Police Commissioner. The narrative blends crime, survival, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the chaos and isolation of the pandemic era.
Renewed Debate on Creative Freedom
The CBFC-mandated changes have once again sparked discussion around censorship, creative freedom, and political sensitivity in Indian cinema—especially for films released on digital platforms. While OTT releases generally face fewer restrictions than theatrical films, Kennedy’s certification highlights that scrutiny remains stringent when real-life political or criminal references are involved.
