Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Kennedy darker than Anurag Kashyap's Ugly: Rahul Bhat

Kennedy will have its world premiere under the Midnight Screenings segment at Cannes.

Kennedy darker than Anurag Kashyap's Ugly: Rahul Bhat

Kennedy is darker than what Anurag Kashyap explored in Ugly, says actor Rahul Bhat who believes his role of a cop-turned-assassin is the director's version of an "angry middle-aged man".

The upcoming noirish thriller, set for Cannes premiere later this month, follows the titular character working for a corrupt police force with scores to settle. It marks Kashyap and Bhatt's third collaboration.


"There was once a time when Salim-Javed gave us the angry young man. And this is Anurag Kashyap's angry middle-aged man," Bhat told PTI in an interview, referring to Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan's interpretation of the angry young man in films such as Deewar, Trishul, Sholay, and Shakti, fronted by Amitabh Bachchan.

With Kennedy, Kashyap is returning to the festival where he previously presented titles such as Raman Raghav 2.0, Ugly, Bombay Talkies, and the two-part gangster drama Gangs of Wasseypur.

Bhat said Kashyap's Kennedy has "a lot of layering".

"Ugly is a kid in front of Kennedy when it comes to darkness and violence. This movie is something else. It's more of a psychological and internal journey. Of course, it makes a social commentary and has so many things to say. But the story moves fast and I hope it'll keep people engaged." When Kashyap sent the script, the actor said he felt overwhelmed that the filmmaker considered him for the main part.

"I was so emotionally charged that I could not stop myself from crying. I find myself very lucky that a director of the caliber of Anurag Kashyap thinks that I can pull off characters like these, which are so complex," he said.

Bhat said his character is at "another level" of human nature.

"Kennedy is angry, but he's calm. He is violent but quiet. He looks as if he's very intelligent and understands things, but he's dumb at the same time. However, one thing that he knows well is how to kill. He's a killing machine," he said.

The model-turned-actor, who was initially famous for his work in the TV show Heena and movies such as Yeh Mohabbat Hai and Nayee Padosan, found a career turnaround with Kashyap's Ugly.

The 45-year-old described Kashyap as a simple man with a mind of a "genius".

"The amount of knowledge this man has is unbelievable. He knows cinema so well and has an innate talent. I feel that everybody understands that he's a genius. But he is also a simple-minded guy, which helps his talent somewhere," Bhat said.

Kennedy will have its world premiere under the Midnight Screenings segment at Cannes. The film's premiere at the prestigious film gala will be a moment that Bhat said he looks forward to cherishing.

"Ugly was also screened at Cannes, which was very special. But this time, we are part of the official selection and we're going to walk the red carpet. The movie is going to be shown in their main theatre. I feel it's once in a lifetime kind of an experience for any actor. It's a great feeling."

The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 16 to 27.

More For You

Prabhas Kalki 2898 AD anniversary

Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role

One year of 'Kalki 2898 AD': How Prabhas reminded everyone he’s still the pan-India superstar

It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.

Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anusha Mani playback

Anusha Mani

gettyimages

Anusha Mani: From playback to primetime

Anusha Mani’s artistic journey has been anything but conventional. Revered as the velvety voice behind Bollywood chartbusters like Lazy Lamhe, Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na, and the irrepressibly catchy Gulaabo, she has carved out a distinctive niche for herself as a singer, lyricist, and now actress.

With a foundation in Indian classical and Carnatic music, and a career launched by a serendipitous meeting with Shankar Mahadevan, Anusha’s rise to prominence has been a blend of talent, timing, and tenacity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez host Venice wedding

Getty Images

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's star-studded £38 million wedding begins in Venice

Quick highlights:

  • Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations kick off in Venice with around 200 high-profile guests.
  • Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Oprah, and Bill Gates have arrived.
  • The three-day celebration is expected to cost £43–51 million (₹427–506 crore).
  • Venice locals protest the event, accusing the billionaire couple of turning the city into a playground for the elite.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez have begun their lavish wedding festivities in Venice, Italy, drawing a guest list that reads like the Oscars after-party. The ultra-exclusive, multi-day affair has transformed the floating city into a buzzing hub of private yachts, paparazzi, and tight security.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of F1 at Times Square in New York

Getty Images

Brad Pitt’s £4.3 million Los Angeles home burgled while he promoted 'F1' in London

Quick highlights:

  • Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz home in LA was broken into late Wednesday night.
  • Three intruders reportedly entered through a window and ransacked the property.
  • Pitt was in London for the F1 film premiere alongside Tom Cruise and Lewis Hamilton.
  • LAPD confirmed a burglary but has not disclosed what was stolen.

Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was burgled late Wednesday night while the actor was overseas promoting his new film F1. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, three individuals broke into the residence located in the Los Feliz area around 10:30 pm by entering through a front window.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kajol: We’d Have Split If Not for “Partial Deafness” and Differences

Kajol reveals why her marriage with Ajay Devgn has lasted 26 years

Getty Images

Kajol says she and Ajay Devgn would have separated long ago if not for one thing

Quick highlights:

  • Kajol says she and Ajay Devgn have stayed married because they are total opposites.
  • The actress shared her candid take on marriage in a recent interview.
  • She joked that “partial deafness and selective amnesia” are key to a happy relationship.
  • The couple prioritise family time over romantic date nights due to hectic schedules.

Kajol has opened up about her 26-year marriage to actor Ajay Devgn, revealing that their starkly different personalities and a good dose of humour have helped them last this long. Speaking in a new interview, she said their bond works because they don’t force romance and instead lean into their differences with honesty and patience.

Keep ReadingShow less