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

Anurag Kashyap is currently in France for the Cannes Film Festival 2023. Soon, the prestigious festival will host the world premiere of his film Kennedy. In a new interview, the filmmaker discussed that the original choice for the film 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 when he wrote the film he had a specific actor in mind and that is why it is named after Kennedy.

When asked who the actor was, Anurag said, “Because that actor’s surname is Kennedy. The film was called The Kennedy Project. This is Chiyaan Vikram. Chiyaan Vikram’s real name is Kennedy. I reached out to him. He has never Didn’t answer. Then, I reached out to Rahul.”

Speaking about Rahul’s response to the film, said that Rahul’s response was enthusiastic and not like that of an actor. Anurag said that Rahul was like, “Who is doing this?” Anurah reveals that Rahul then gave eight months of his life to Kennedy.

He further added, “Because Rahul is a skinny guy. He bulked up for it. He grew a beard. I said ‘Aapko sleep haram karni hoga’. And he didn’t sleep at night till a month and a half later. After that, he Pulled himself through it. After that, he grew a beard and looked scruffy. And that’s when I said you’re playing the part. His devotion, his honesty, his total dedication to the role was unbelievable.

Kennedy was selected for a midnight screening at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Kennedy is directed by Anurag Kashyap and stars Rahul Bhatt, Sunny Leone and Abhilash Thapliyal in lead roles. The film revolves around an insomniac ex-cop, long thought dead, but still working for a corrupt system, and searching for redemption.

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