Cannes 2023: Anurag Kashyap reveals that Chiyaan Vikram was the first choice for Kennedy

Anurag Kashyap is currently in France for the Cannes Film Festival 2023. Soon, the esteemed festival will host the world premiere of his film Kennedy. In a new interview, the filmmaker discussed the original choice for the movie was Vikram.

In an interview with a leading news agency at the ongoing film festival, Anurag revealed that Rahul Bhat was not the first choice for the film. He said that he had a specific actor in mind when he wrote the film and the reason why it is named Kennedy.

When asked who the actor was, Anurag said, “Because that actor’s nickname is Kennedy. The film was called the Kennedy Project. It is Chiyaan Vikram. Chiyaan Vikram’s real name is Kennedy. I reached out to him. He never responded. So then, I reached out to Rahul.”

Speaking about Rahul’s reaction to the film stated that Rahul’s reaction was enthusiastic and not like any actor. Anurag said that Rahul was like, “Yeh kaun kar raha hai?” Anurah revealed that Rahul then gave eight months of his life to Kennedy.

He further added, “Because Rahul is a thin guy. He bulked up for it. He grew a beard. I said ‘you have to be sleepless’. And he didn’t sleep at night until one and a half months later. After that, he pulled himself through it. After that, he grew a beard and looked unhygienic. And that’s when I said you are doing the role. His devotion, his sincerity, his total surrender to the role was incredible.”

Kennedy had been chosen for a Midnight Screening at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Kennedy is directed by Anurag Kashyap and stars Rahul Bhatt, Sunny Leone, and Abhilash Thapliyal in pivotal roles. The film revolves around an insomniac ex-cop, long thought to be dead, but still operating for the corrupt system, and looking for redemption.

See Also: Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane pose on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival