Sub-heading: Anurag Kashyap wanted Chiyaan Vikram to star in Kennedy, reveals director

Director Anurag Kashyap is all set for the premiere of his latest film Kennedy at the Cannes Film Festival, where it will be showcased under the Midnight Screenings section. The film stars Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat, but did you know that Bhat was not the first choice for the titular role? In a conversation with Anupama Chopra, Kashyap revealed that he had originally approached Chiyaan Vikram for the role, but the actor never responded to his offer.

Details of the conversation:

• Kashyap had a specific actor in mind when he wrote the film and the film was called Kennedy Project, named after Vikram’s nickname.
• Vikram’s real name is Kennedy and Kashyap reached out to him for the titular role, but never received a response.
• Rahul Bhat was approached thereafter and his response was enthusiastic, not like an actor.
• Bhat had to transform himself physically for the role, bulking up, growing a beard and becoming sleepless to pull it off.
• Kennedy will be showcased under the Midnight Screenings section at the Cannes Film Festival.

Implications:

• Anurag Kashyap has a history of success at Cannes Film Festival, having premiered Gangs of Wasseypur and Bombay Talkies in previous editions.
• Rahul Bhat’s total surrender to the role and devotion has left a lasting impression on the director.
• It remains to be seen how Kennedy will fare with critics and audiences alike, but the film is already generating buzz with its cast, director and the backstory of its lead actor.