Sunny Leone never expected the call. When Anurag Kashyap reached out about Kennedy, she thought it was a prank. The director initially contacted her husband and manager Daniel Weber, who insisted Kashyap speak directly with the actor. What followed was a conversation that left Leone “scared and extremely nervous”—but also hopeful about a career-defining opportunity.
“I never in a million years thought that he was going to call me and say, ‘Hey, I’ve a part, will you come in for an audition?'” Leone told PTI. The disbelief lingered for weeks. Until she reached the set, she couldn’t fully believe she’d landed a role in an Anurag Kashyap film.
Sunny Leone’s Role in Kennedy: Playing Charlie
So what is Sunny Leone’s role in Kennedy? She plays Charlie, a character she describes as “mysterious, fragile and yet strong.” Charlie becomes entangled in the dark world of Uday Shetty (Rahul Bhat), a former cop turned contract killer living a double life as a cab driver in Mumbai’s underbelly.
The neo-noir thriller, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival in the Midnight Screenings section, follows Kennedy as he executes hits for corrupt Police Commissioner Rasheed Khan while haunted by the loss of his son and fractured family. Leone’s Charlie becomes a crucial part of his journey toward redemption in a city that refuses to forget.
Breaking Free from the ‘Item Number’ Image
Leone has built a career on special appearances—Baby Doll, Laila Main Laila from Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, Piya More from Baadshaho, and Chaar Botal Vodka remain chart-toppers. She’s appeared in films like Jism 2 and Mastizaade, and reality shows including Bigg Boss and Splitsvilla. But Kennedy represents something different entirely.
“I believe that it’s one of those films, where all the people I met, directors and producers, are like, ‘This is the film that’s going to change your image or career,'” Leone said. She’s betting on Kashyap’s vision to elevate her standing in the industry and unlock “more work” beyond what she’s been offered before.
The Kashyap Effect: Creating a Safe Space
Working with Kashyap went beyond just direction. Leone recalls sharing “very special moments” with the filmmaker, discussing their pasts and personal stories between takes.
“I felt like I was seen and heard and I felt I was in a safe place emotionally, which then really helped me on screen as well,” she explained. That emotional safety translated into performance—something Leone says “very few people will do for you” in the industry.
The film also stars Mohit Takalkar, Megha Burman, Aamir Dalvi, Abhilash Thapliyal, and Karishma Modi.
Kennedy’s Journey from Cannes to Your Screen
When is Kennedy releasing on ZEE5? Mark your calendars for February 20, 2025. After its Cannes premiere generated buzz in international film circuits, the Anurag Kashyap directorial is finally making its way to Indian audiences through the streaming platform.
For an actor who’s spent years being pigeonholed, Kennedy isn’t just another credit. It’s a statement. And if the industry feedback Leone’s received holds true, it might just be the reset button her career needed.
Can One Film Rewrite a Bollywood Narrative?
Whether Kennedy actually shifts industry perception remains to be seen. But Leone’s landed something precious—a director who saw beyond the stereotypes, a role with genuine complexity, and a platform that’ll put her performance in front of millions. The rest depends on audiences willing to see her differently. ZEE5 subscribers will get that chance soon enough.
