Anurag Kashyap's neo-noir thriller Kennedy gets 7-minute standing ovation at Cannes 2023

Ace filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is on cloud nine as his upcoming dark thriller Kennedy received a 7-min long standing ovation at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The Grand Lumiere Theatre reverberated with clappings after the screening of the movie. Reportedly, it has joined the likes of ace filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Johnny Depp who also got a standing ovation for the same duration.

The Gangs of Wasseypur director expressed gratitude saying, “It’s always special to show your film to the world at Cannes and it’s a lifetime moment to play at the Grand Theatre Lumiere. Kennedy is a very special film to me and extremely personal too. We have put our heart and soul into making this film. 7 mins long standing ovation from the audience has made me full of gratitude. I am very grateful and excited at the same time.” The filmmaker was joined by the film’s lead actors Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone. Vikramaditya Motwane, Shariq Patel, Ashima Awasyhi Bhumika Tiwari, Neeraj Joshi and Kabir Ahuja were also in attendance at the screening.

Also read: Anurag Kashyap has a fear of blood, attending funerals; reveals why his films are full of violence 

Kennedy revolves around an insomniac cop, who is presumed dead for a long time. He operates secretly for the corrupt system in search of redemption. The film has been bankrolled by Zee Studios and Ranjan Singh and Kabir Ahuja of Good Bad Films. Zee Studios’ Shariq also reacted to Kennedy’s great response at Cannes.“We are thrilled to see ‘Kennedy’ garner a high-wattage response, here at Cannes. I thank the selection committee at Cannes for extending this opportunity to us. Having an exuberant applause at Grande Lumiere Theatre by the audience is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime surreal experience,’’ he said.

On the other hand, Rahul and Sunny were equally thrilled about the resounding response. "I am thrilled to make my Cannes debut with Kennedy being screened here. It's only a dream few actors get to live, and I take a lot of pride in being a part of such a prestigious event. I cannot wait to see how the global audience reacts," said Sunny. While Rahul stated, "Kennedy is our labour of love. The film is exciting, it keeps you gripped. And as I, along with my team, enter the coveted red carpet of Cannes and show our film to the world, I am full of gratitude for everyone, especially Anurag, who made this possible."