Rahul Bhat talks about Kennedy at Cannes 2023.
Kennedy star Rahul Bhat talks about the film which will premiere at Cannes Film Festival this year.
Joining the league of many Indian faces at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is actor and producer Rahul Bhat. And what makes this feat even more special for him is that his upcoming film, Kennedy, has been selected to screen in the Midnight Screenings category at the Film Gala on May 24. Billed as a police noir, the film, directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, sees Rahul essay the role of an insomniac ex-cop who was long believed to be dead, but still Working for a corrupt system in search of redemption. Interestingly, for Rahul, Kennedy made his second film in the French Riviera after Ugly (2013), which was also directed by Anurag.
In an exclusive conversation with News18, Rahul says, “It is a huge recognition. So many people tell me, ‘You’re going to Cannes…what’s the big deal?’ So many international films compete there but very few are selected. It’s about the recognition you get at that kind of level. Particularly ‘excited’ about the screening of Kennedy, he says, “It gives me immense satisfaction that mine is one of the few films selected to be screened at Cannes. So many people will be seeing it. It’s very Feels good and humble too. What more could an actor want?”
But one thing that has him excited about the Cannes Film Festival is the prospect of talking to some of the biggest names in global cinema. “It’s overwhelming to even think about walking the same red carpet as Michael Douglas and Martin Scorsese. I am looking forward to meeting some interesting people and talking about cinema. I will be a part of a world which is entirely related to cinema. And cinema is my life. It will be a great experience to be there with such a great mind,” says the Fitoor (2016) and Daas Dev (2018) actor.
Taking his idea forward, Rahul feels it is this ‘exposure’ that will help him hone his craft and raise his game. “As an actor and a human being, when you experience different things, go to other countries and meet and interact with the best minds in the business, you talk about cinema and You get to learn a lot when you mingle with your flock. ,” he comments.
Emphasizing on how film festivals like Cannes help in helping actors like him, he said, “I am looking forward to watching so many interesting films. If the jury has selected 30-40 films out of a thousand films, I want to know and watch them and experience their greatness. Acting can only be learned by watching great performances. It’s the best way to learn your craft.”
Kennedy marks her third collaboration with Anurag after Ugli Aur Dobara (2022). Over the years, the producer has been a regular at film festivals, including Cannes, and it was no surprise that Kennedy was there too. Last year, his film Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat had its world premiere at the Marrakech Film Festival. Appreciating Anurag, Rahul elaborated, “Look at the talent – so many directors, writers and actors – that he has given to the film industry! He has done a lot for Indian cinema and has done it on his own, which is no joke. So many of his assistants have become big directors. He has made some wonderful films. Anurag Kashyap’s school is very interesting. He has reshaped so many careers. All the good things he has done are unbelievable!”
Sharing his thoughts on the following and critical acclaim that Anurag enjoys internationally as well, Rahul says, “He has a cult following in India, but the respect he gets from brilliant filmmakers, thinkers and film connoisseurs abroad Well, that’s incredible. It is not easy to reach where Anurag is today. He must really be a genius to get the love and respect he has.
Kennedy also stars Sunny Leone. The film is produced by Ranjan Singh and Kabir Ahuja of Zee Studios and Good Bad Films. The DOP of the film is Sylvester Fonseca. Its music is composed by Ashish Narula along with Aamir Aziz and Boyblanc. ,
