In an homage to the cinematic grandeur of the 90s, director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., popularly known as Raj & DK, present “Citadel: Honey Bunny,” an Indian spy series that reimagines the espionage genre with a distinctly Bollywood flair. This series, a spin-off and prequel to the American action-espionage epic “Citadel,” is crafted under the visionary guidance of the Russo brothers and is part of a unique multinational franchise with branches in India, Italy, and Mexico.
“Citadel: Honey Bunny” is set against the vibrant backdrop of the movie-obsessed 1990s, a period rich in cinematic nostalgia. The series stars Bollywood sensation Varun Dhawan and noted actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who together bring to life a captivating tale of espionage coupled with personal drama and action-packed sequences. Unlike their predecessors in more conventional spy stories, Honey and Bunny engage in perilous missions that serve a more humanitarian purpose, distancing themselves from the stereotypical trope of diner holdups.
With a plotline as flamboyant and dynamic as the era it draws inspiration from, the series stays true to its Indian roots, which Raj & DK have skillfully maintained throughout its narrative. The story orbits around Bollywood stuntman Bunny, portrayed by Varun Dhawan, who teams up with aspiring actress Honey, played by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, for a secretive spy operation. Subsequently, the storyline evolves, presenting them as a separated couple who must brace themselves for a reunion to ensure the safety of their daughter Nadia—whose grown-up version is portrayed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the American version of the series.
In an enthused conversation with The Hindu, the creative team behind “Citadel: Honey Bunny” delved into the intricacies of upholding the ‘Indianness’ of the series. Varun Dhawan expressed, “I was ecstatic about embracing the bold fashion statements of the late 80s and 90s. The costume mood-board our designer Ameira Punvani showed me, filled with leather jackets, denims, and high boots, instantly clicked with my love for the era. It brought back the nostalgia of icons like Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon and Bollywood’s own Sanjay Dutt in movies like Taaqatwar.”
Samantha Ruth Prabhu reminisced about her journey with the series, sharing, “Raj & DK, along with Sita R Menon, really challenged me emotionally. The script required a depth of emotion—sadness, anger, angst—which resonated with the struggles of Honey, my character.
. It was an artistic treat contrasting the sequence-heavy parts with snippets of Honey’s personal growth story.”
Director Raj Nidimoru explained the freedom provided by the Russo brothers, stating, “While we had the foundational elements like Citadel and Manticore, Joe and Anthony Russo encouraged us to mold the script distinctively. We were thrilled to explore dimensions far apart from the American show’s futuristic setting, allowing for indigenous characters like Honey and Bunny who find a natural fit in the 90s narrative.”
Embodied deep within the series is a sense of dramatic immersion, which Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu both regard as pivotal to their performances. Varun remarked on a poignant scene, “There’s an emotional exchange where I unravel the depth of Kay Kay Menon’s character, Baba. It was designed to make the viewers walk with my character in those evocative moments.”
Samantha recounted the intensity of an action scene, “One of the onerous sequences included a dynamic car chase shot. The coordination among us was crucial yet challenging, even more so than I anticipated, making the resulting singular take all the more gratifying.”
Both stars believe that for the series to resonate globally while being innately Indian, it should celebrate its diverse cultural landscape. Varun Dhawan commented, “Roots in Indian culture are what will appeal to worldwide audiences. That is the essence of Honey Bunny.” Samantha added, “Rooted narratives like ‘Shogun’ in Japan are impactful; Raj & DK’s approach promises similar authenticity.”
Raj Nidimoru echoed this sentiment, adding, “Many shows from India are noteworthy, though still awaiting global discovery. With a push in recognition and marketing, we can foresee Indian narratives becoming universally acclaimed.”
“Citadel: Honey Bunny,” with its launch scheduled on October 23, 2024, marks a compelling blend of nostalgia, action, and rich storytelling, promising a fresh reflection of Indian cinema’s potential on the global stage.
