Working With Anurag Kashyap in Kennedy a Defining Career Moment: Sunny Leone

Actress Sunny Leone has described filmmaker Anurag Kashyap as a director she holds “on a very high pedestal”, saying her role in his film Kennedy pushed her as an actor and changed how audiences view her work.

Speaking in an interview with electronic media, Sunny said her character Charlie demanded quiet intensity rather than loud emotion. “Charlie hides her pain behind a strange laugh. That laugh became her identity, and I had to get it exactly right because the director was very clear about what he wanted,” she said.

Asked whether Kashyap is a strict taskmaster, Sunny said experiences may vary. “He has expectations, but that’s why we had workshops and long conversations. We even shared personal stories. I spoke to him about things I haven’t shared with anyone else,” she said.

She added that Kashyap expects actors to come prepared. “On set, he’s calm. He expects you to know your work, like any good director. But he gives you time, which not everyone does.”

A ‘Shocking’ Offer

Sunny Leone entered mainstream Indian entertainment with Bigg Boss Season 5 in 2011 and has since worked across films, reality television and digital platforms. Still, she said she was surprised when Kashyap approached her for Kennedy.

“I couldn’t believe it at first. In this industry, things can change at the last minute. I’ve heard many stories of actors being dropped suddenly,” she said. “Because I respect him so much, I never took the opportunity for granted.”

She recalled that even during filming, she remained unsure until her first shot was completed. “Only then did it feel real. That’s when I felt—Charlie is here.”

Global Recognition

Kennedy premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in the Midnight Screenings section on May 25, 2023. It later travelled to several international festivals, including the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, London Indian Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival.

After a long festival run, the film was released on OTT platforms on February 20, 2026.

Reflecting on the delayed India release, Sunny said she did not feel heartbroken. “My husband kept saying every film finds its home. This film needed the right kind of presentation, and I believe it has finally found that space,” she said.

The Laugh That Defined Charlie

One of the most striking aspects of Sunny’s performance is Charlie’s unsettling laugh. The actor said she practised it constantly. “I laughed everywhere—on set, in elevators, even at the airport. People thought I was strange, but I needed to get it out of my system,” she said.

Sunny added that embarrassment has never held her back. “I trip while walking normally, so people are usually embarrassed for me. I wasn’t embarrassed by the laugh at all.”

Praise and the Road Ahead

Sunny said the appreciation she has received for Kennedy has been deeply encouraging. “The most unexpected compliments came from people within the industry. That meant a lot to me,” she said.

She admitted she had almost forgotten about reviews because of the long delay. “I was pleasantly surprised by how kind people have been,” she added.