Sunny Leone’s ‘Kennedy’ closes Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 in style
It really means a lot when we can present films to every community and Melbourne is one very important stop for us for Kennedy.
Sunny Leone’s ‘Kennedy’ continue to captivate hearts and minds as it left the audience mesmerised at the closing ceremony of the 14th edition of The International Film Festival of Melbourne.
The closing ceremony on Sunday night was a star-studded extravaganza, as the Indian and Australian crowd gathered to witness the culmination of this cinematic celebration.
At the closing night, Sunny Leone said, “First of all, I’m grateful to be here.
“It really means a lot when we can present films to every community and Melbourne is one very important stop for us for Kennedy. And we are so proud to be part of IFFM and for creating this platform.”
Movie director Anurag Kashyap said, “I am delighted that ‘Kennedy’ is the closing film at IFFM.
“It’s the first Indian film festival we are playing in the world, and I am excited with the response of the audience.”
The IFFM also hosted a captivating discussion that delved into the evolving portrayal of sexuality in Indian cinema.
The event gathered a diverse panel of participants including Kennedy’s actors Sunny Leone, Rahul Bhat, and Abhilash Thapliyal, along with accomplished filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
The discussion was moderated by Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange with her unique perspective, the panellists engaged in thought-provoking discourse, shedding light on the changing dynamics and narratives surrounding this sensitive subject. The audience also played an integral role in the conversation, sharing their insights and contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas.
Against the backdrop of India’s rapidly transforming social landscape, the discussion underscored the significance of cinema as a reflective medium. Sunny Leone, Rahul Bhat, and Abhilash Thapliyal, known for their versatile roles, offered intriguing insights into how contemporary Indian cinema is challenging traditional norms and embracing diverse expressions of sexuality.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, celebrated for his bold narratives, contributed his valuable perspective on the role of storytelling in pushing societal boundaries. As the panellists and audience engaged in a dynamic conversation, the event emerged as a compelling platform for exploring the intricate interplay between cinema, culture, and evolving social perceptions.
The movie was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Helmed by Kashyap ‘Kennedy’ stars Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat in the lead roles. The film revolves around an insomniac ex-policeman, long thought to be dead, but still operating for the corrupt system, and looking for redemption.
The festival, celebrating the best of Indian cinema concluded with the screening of ‘Kennedy’ on August 20 in Melbourne.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 was one of the biggest ones yet having hosted some of the biggest names from Indian cinema including Rani Mukerji, Mrunal Thakur, Kartik Aaryan, Prithvi Konanur, team of Sita Ramam, Karan Johar name a few.
The festival this year screened over 100 films across 22 languages and introduced many unique stories and talents to Australian audiences.
