As the global entertainment scene reflects on three decades since Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film Pulp Fiction shook the cinematic world, new narratives emerge that pay tribute to its enduring influence. Among these is Citadel: Honey Bunny, an Indian spy series helmed by renowned directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., collectively known as Raj & DK. This series intriguingly situates itself in the vibrant, film-obsessed landscape of the 1990s—an era that saw actor Tim Roth affectionately calling Amanda Plummer’s character ‘Honey Bunny’ in that legendary diner robbery scene of Pulp Fiction. However, in a decidedly unique twist, this iteration’s lead characters aren’t holding up diners; they’re embarking on perilous international missions, serving as essential cogs in maintaining a fragile peace.
Leading the charge in this captivating series is the dynamic pairing of Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. They bring to life a compelling storyline that functions as both a spin-off and a prequel to the American action-espionage series Citadel. This broader narrative is ambitiously visualized and championed by the Russo brothers, who have crafted a multinational franchise unfurling with stories in settings as diverse as India, Italy, and Mexico.
Despite the overarching American influence, Raj & DK have ensured that Citadel: Honey Bunny remains an authentic piece, infused generously with their signature style and sensibilities. The story unfolds around Bollywood stuntman Bunny, portrayed by Varun Dhawan, who recruits the aspiring actress Honey, played by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, into a world of espionage. Progressing through time, Honey and Bunny, now an estranged couple, must come together once more to safeguard their daughter Nadia—who, in the larger Citadel series, is depicted as an adult by Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
In a recent conversation with The Hindu, the team shared insights into preserving the quintessential ‘Indianness’ of this venture. “The costume designer Ameira Punvani and Raj & DK curated a mood-board that captured the essence of my character’s wardrobe perfectly,” Dhawan shared, describing the 90s-inspired look he dons in the series. “Leather jackets, denims, high boots, and even a mullet reminiscent of Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon, blended with notes from Sanjay Dutt’s styles in films of that era,” he elaborated, expressing his connection to the nostalgia-filled aesthetics.
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu reminisced about her character’s multifaceted journey, “I thought back to some early film roles of mine, where I was quite inexperienced (laughs),” she admitted. The series developers threw spontaneous emotional challenges her way, “The intense emotions—sadness, anger, angst—they were not initially in the script. It became part of the thrill,” she added, revealing that her role showcased just a fraction of Honey’s ambitious arc.
Raj Nidimoru discussed the creative freedom they experienced, noting their hesitation turned excitement when approached by the Russo brothers to craft this part of the Citadel saga. “American productions are known for their rigorous scripts,” he stated, “But Joe and Anthony Russo allowed us to reimagine under minimal constraints, which remarkably included only the essentials like Citadel and Manticore.”
Dhawan emphasized the ambition for authenticity on set, recalling an emotionally charged long-take shared with Samantha about a character played by Kay Kay Menon. “The sequence where I reveal Baba’s—who is a spymaster—importance held a raw energy that couldn’t have been captured by quick cuts. We needed genuine dialogue flow,” he expressed.
Samantha’s challenges didn’t stop there. The car chase scene, an intricate ‘oner’ towards the series’ climax, was particularly demanding. Shooting synchronized amidst a swerve-laden high-speed pursuit, she noted, “I envisaged it as child’s play after more complex scenes earlier on, but the reality was relentless, requiring like 40 takes for a mere 40-second clip,” she laughed.
Reflecting on the cultural impact of Indian television on a global scale, Raj & DK pointed out, “Many shows from India have great potential but often go undiscovered due to limited exposure. With greater promotion, countless stories from here can captivate the world.”
In an industry that is constantly evolving, citadel: honey bunny positions itself as a cinematic vessel, showcasing cultural roots while navigating a grand narrative tapestry, setting a precedent for future storylines that connect global audiences to uniquely Indian storytelling.
