Rahul calls Kennedy's delayed release in India 'hurtful'

Actor Rahul Bhat was seen attending the Cannes Film Festival this year with his Hollywood-bound film 'Lost and Found in Kumbh'. In 2023, he attended the prestigious festival with his movie 'Kennedy', but unfortunately, the film has not yet been released in India. Directed by Anurag Kashyap and also starring Sunny Leone, Kennedy is still awaiting a theatrical release in the country, despite receiving significant acclaim at various international film festivals.Rahul on 'Kennedy's releaseRahul expressed his disappointment over the delay in the film’s Indian release. In an interview with India Today, Bhat said, “I hope it releases soon. They are saying that it should release this year. It's a tragedy because... pata nahi kya, kuch log aate hai, phir woh naukriyaan chhodte hai, phir doosre log aate hai (God knows what happens... some people come, then they leave, then others join) [then the release gets stuck].

It's crazy."Bhat also shared that everyone had worked very hard on the film, and it is deeply hurtful that it has not yet been released. He believes that acting is meant to be seen and reviewed by the audience. “The whole purpose of art is to reach people. If it doesn't reach people, then what's the point?" he added.

Rahul talks about Kennedy's reception at film festivals Recalling the global response the film received, Bhat said that tickets for its screenings were sold out within minutes at various venues, including Cannes, Toronto, Mumbai and Kolkata.

The actor also criticised the industry’s reluctance to support unconventional cinema. According to him, audiences are often blamed for not showing up in theatres, even though such films rarely get a fair theatrical run. "Phir bolte hai theatre mein aate nahi log. Agar theatre mein filmein lagaoge nahi, toh kahan se aayengein?" (They say that people don't come to theatres. But if you don’t screen diverse films, how will they come?) he said.

He also pointed to the high cost of tickets and the lack of variety as additional deterrents.Bhat further emphasised the importance of having dedicated spaces for indie films in India, similar to those available in Western countries.

Director Anurag Kashyap had also previously acknowledged the stalled status of 'Kennedy'.