Sunny Leone: ‘If One Door Doesn’t Open, I’ll Knock on Another — I Don’t Take Rejection Hard’ (EXCLUSIVE)

If there is a case study to be done about movies that have suffered the most to get a release on their home ground, "Kennedy" will be one of the prime examples. The Anurag Kashyap directorial that stars Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in the lead has been making news since 2023 and awaiting a release in India. It has travelled the festival circuit, earning applause from Cannes to MAMI Film Festival, while its India release remained in limbo. Now the film is finally all set to hit the streaming space in India, Sunny Leone finds herself at a pivotal crossroads. 

In a candid conversation with Variety India, she speaks about battling labels, trusting Anurag Kashyap’s vision, living with her character Charlie long before audiences could, and why she sees the film as an “exam” that could quietly reshape the way the industry sees her.

"Kennedy" has travelled the festival circuit and faced multiple delays before finally releasing — what does this moment feel like: relief, exhaustion, or vindication?

This is definitely an exciting moment because we have, like you said, travelled all over the world. We've gone to every corner of the world showing this film and have received the most amazing response. When we were here for MAMI Film Festival, it was such an amazing response that they added one more day of screening, which was incredible. And, you know, it all comes down to the makers of the film and how they wanted to release it. So that question would be for them.

But as far as the excitement goes, I am beyond thrilled that we're finally releasing. I know what Zee5 is capable of in terms of reach, and I'm hoping that a lot of zeal, zest, and hard work go into making sure we have an amazing release — and that so many people watch it.

You shot "Kennedy" at a very different phase of your career — watching it release now, does it feel like looking at a past version of yourself?

No, I mean, I've been living with Charlie for a while now whether it was at festivals or when we were shooting. It was just a different time. Like every film, everything you shoot has certain smells, feelings, or things that were happening in your life at that moment that make it special. This is no different. When I shot the film, I was so excited about Bollywood seeing how amazing the product had turned out. But then it had delay after delay. I’m just excited that it's finally coming out.

This is a side of you we haven’t seen before — how long was the struggle to convince filmmakers you could do more than what you were being offered?

I think you’ll have to ask me this question after February 20, because that’s when the entire world will be able to see this work. So far, only a select few have watched the film. I hope a lot of positivity will come from it. As far as this film goes, Anurag Sir called and said he had a part and would like me to audition. Of course, I said absolutely and went in to give the audition.

I am very, very happy that he saw something in me that convinced him to make me Charlie (Sunny Leone plays Charlie in "Kennedy"). I’m only grateful and thankful to him for giving me that chance because it has literally changed my entire world being part of this film.

Charlie is raw and bruised — not someone you meet every day. What was the most difficult part of playing her?

We did a lot of workshops. Anurag Sir told me different stories and gave me references. We did dialogue coaching and several exercises. After he explained the character, I found small relatable things in my own journey. Some things were relatable, some obviously were not. After all that preparation, it wasn’t that difficult on set. Through his coaching and the way Anurag nurtures you emotionally making you feel heard and safe you just have to let go and trust him.

I tried my very best to be a good listener and absorb as much information as possible because I don’t want to take for granted the chance to work with him or with other amazing directors who have created incredible cinema.

You’ve spoken about fighting labels. Is "Kennedy" the point where you feel you’re successfully shedding them?

I think labels are attached to everybody. It’s not me who puts the labels, I’m sorry to say but it’s the media that does that. That’s just how it works. My fans and the people who have supported me for years don’t put labels on me. They just love me, and I love them. It really depends on which media outlet is putting that tag there. That’s the biggest battle having people not write certain things. If those things weren’t written, those labels wouldn’t exist.

Then how do you approach filmmakers and convince them you can do something else? Does "Kennedy" open more doors for you?

Like I said, I think the best way to answer that is after February 20, when the entire industry gets a chance to watch it. I do hope it opens doors. That was the hope when Anurag Sir called me to audition. Working with him is a milestone in my career — a big one.Now I have to hope that when someone watches it, they think, “Oh yes, I can hire her,” or “She fits this role.” So we’ll know after February 20. Did I pass the exam or not?

Do you think "Kennedy" as a film is more relevant now, or do you think the delay has affected it?

Because it was shot during COVID, I think that hangover is still lingering in people’s hearts. It’s still fresh what everyone went through. This is a fictional story, but it’s definitely going to hit people in different ways depending on how they view things. I don’t think the themes in the film are any less relatable today.

How do you deal with rejection now, compared to when you were new in the industry?

I see it the same way. If one door doesn’t open, I’ll knock on another one. I’m a realist. I understand people’s apprehensions and their choices. It’s not something I actively fight. It’s okay. My career is successful in its own way. I’m happy I get to work and do so many different things. I don’t see it through just one lens it’s more like a kaleidoscope. I don’t take rejection as hard as some people might. If one door doesn’t open, I’ll knock on many others. One will open my way.

When audiences watch "Kennedy" now, years later, what do you hope they notice first — the film, the character, or the actor you are becoming?

The film. The film in its entirety. There are so many amazing characters and so many incredible things happening throughout. Every character plays a significant role in moving the story forward. When I watch the movie and I’ve watched it many times there are certain performances I just love watching. Not just "Kennedy" or Rahul, but some of the other characters are extraordinary.

Some of the monologues about what’s happening in that world, in that city, the logic behind why certain characters are around Kennedy — it’s fascinating on so many levels. That’s what makes the film so interesting.