Commemorating 30 years since the release of Pulp Fiction—a film where Tim Roth’s character affectionately referred to Amanda Plummer’s character as ‘Honey Bunny’—director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. have brought forth a unique new Indian spy series titled ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny.’ Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s, this series brings a distinctive twist to the traditional espionage narrative, blending Bollywood flair with thrilling missions. Headlined by prominent Indian actors Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, this series presents itself as both a spin-off and a prequel to the acclaimed American action-espionage franchise ‘Citadel,’ developed by the renowned Russo brothers. Their vision for a multinational storyline has inspired versions in India, Italy, and Mexico, creating a rich tapestry of interwoven narratives.
While maintaining the characteristic directorial style of Raj & DK, ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ bursts with a refreshingly pulpy plot. It follows the story of Bunny, a Bollywood stuntman played by Dhawan, who recruits Honey, an aspiring actress portrayed by Prabhu, for a covert operation. As years pass, the estranged couple must reconvene to safeguard their daughter Nadia, who, as an adult in the overarching series, is portrayed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. To delve deeper into the series’ essence, The Hindu conversed with the creators and lead cast about encapsulating the ‘Indianness’ of ‘Honey Bunny.’
Varun Dhawan shared his enthusiasm for the era-specific aesthetic brought to life by costume designer Ameira Punvani, who crafted a nostalgic yet unique look featuring leather jackets, denims, high boots, and high-waisted pants for Dhawan’s character. Acknowledging the nods to iconic 80s and 90s figures like Mel Gibson from ‘Lethal Weapon’ and Indian actor Sanjay Dutt, Dhawan expressed a connection to this era, adding, “I sport a mullet in the series too, which is a tribute to that time, and I felt genuinely thrilled to embody that stylistic vibe.
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu reflected on her character’s comedic nod to her early film days, with segments purposefully inserted by the creative team to explore Honey’s emotional complexities. “Those sections where I portrayed a struggling actress brought me a nostalgic sense that felt like a break between the series’ intense action sequences,” Prabhu revealed.
Raj Nidimoru spoke candidly about their approach toward creating a unique cinematic vision amidst offers by large studios to produce sequels. “Our strength lies in being original,” he explained, delighted by the open-ended nature of their collaboration with the Russo brothers. With minimal constraints aside from basic elements like institution names, Raj & DK successfully reframed the show’s universe, diverging from the original’s tech-heavy narrative to create characters like Honey and Bunny that are better suited to a 90s context.
Dhawan elaborated on the series’ deeply emotive scenes, highlighting a poignant exchange about the spymaster Baba, played by Kay Kay Menon. “Varun and I developed a profound emotional connection, which underpinned the drama of the long take, making it incredibly impactful,” Prabhu added.
Reiterating the need for Indian cinema to offer culturally rich narratives to global audiences, Dhawan pointed out that “rooting our stories deeply in our culture and landscapes is what gives them universal appeal.” Prabhu also noted the significance of cultural authenticity, drawing parallels with shows set in historical Japan and underscoring the conviction of Raj & DK to stay untainted by Western influences.
The promise of Indian television lies in its unique discovery-driven viewing experience, Raj Nidimoru explained. He believes increased visibility and marketing could propel Indian shows to global prominence: “As awareness grows, our shows are bound to garner international acclaim,” he concluded.
With ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny,’ Raj & DK continue to challenge and expand boundaries of traditional storytelling, ensuring that audiences around the world are captivated by its vibrant, culturally rich, and authentic narrative style—one that pays homage to the endearing quirks of the 90s cinematic spirit.
