As the 90s nostalgia continues to captivate audiences worldwide, a new Indian spy series, “Citadel: Honey Bunny,” helmed by the talented director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., brings its unique flavor to the screen. Marking 30 years since the iconic film “Pulp Fiction” by Quentin Tarantino, where Tim Roth famously referred to Amanda Plummer as ‘Honey Bunny,’ this series reimagines the spy genre with a distinctly Indian twist.
Anchored in the vibrant, culturally rich era of the 90s, “Citadel: Honey Bunny” follows the journey of its central characters, Bunny and Honey, portrayed by Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, respectively. Unlike the nefarious diner hold-ups of their namesakes, these characters embark on exhilarating missions that balance precariously between maintaining peace and unraveling secrets. This series is conceived as a spin-off or possibly a prequel to the American action-espionage series “Citadel,” which itself is a brainchild of the Russo brothers, expanding into a global franchise with elements set in Italy, Mexico, and India.
Fans of Raj & DK will find themselves in familiar territory as their signature quirks and storytelling devices shine through. The storyline, equal parts outlandish and enthralling, bumps Bollywood stuntman Bunny into an espionage adventure alongside the ambitious actress Honey. Fast forward a few years, and they are compelled to reunite, navigating their past as an estranged couple, to safeguard their daughter Nadia. The character of Nadia, incidentally, is played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the predecessor series, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.
In an exclusive conversation with the cast and creators, The Hindu delves deeper into what makes “Honey Bunny” distinctively Indian:
Varun Dhawan shared insights into his character’s transformation. “I was greatly influenced by the fashion of that era,” he said, describing the leather jackets, denim, and iconic mullet hairstyle inspired by action heroes like Mel Gibson in “Lethal Weapon” and Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt. For Dhawan, it was a nostalgic journey, tapping into his appreciation for late 80s and 90s films.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, reflecting on her experiences, humorously recounted the creative process with Raj & DK and series developer Sita R Menon, who playfully teased her about past performances.
. While a struggling actress phase is just a fraction of Honey’s journey, Prabhu embraced the role’s emotional depth, seeing it as a reprieve amidst the action-heavy sequences that dominate her character’s arc.
Raj Nidimoru revealed their cautious approach towards sequels and spin-offs, often hesitating due to a clash with creative vision. Yet, the opportunity with the Russos was different. “Their approach allowed for creative latitude, permitting us to explore a setting that deviates from the American version,” said Raj. The liberty to shape a narrative less reliant on futuristic extremes allowed Raj & DK to craft authentic characters rooted in an era of rich storytelling potential.
In one of the series’ more poignant scenes, Dhawan recalled a lengthy exchange between Bunny and Honey concerning Baba, a spymaster played by Kay Kay Menon. “Taking the time for deeper dialogue enriched the emotional resonance,” he explained.
For Prabhu, the most challenging sequence involved a complex car chase, proving more demanding than anticipated. “We went through countless takes to perfect the maneuvering required,” she noted, emphasizing the precision needed to execute the shot flawlessly, despite it being less than a minute long.
Both Dhawan and Prabhu emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Dhawan suggested that true Indian narratives have the potential to captivate global audiences by celebrating cultural distinctiveness rather than adhering to international conventions. Prabhu compared it to productions like “Shogun,” rooted deeply in Japanese culture, hoping that “Citadel: Honey Bunny” could offer something similar.
Nidimoru hopes that, moving forward, Indian shows will receive the international recognition they deserve, arguing that they have often fallen under the radar despite their potential. With “Citadel: Honey Bunny,” they aim to redefine how Indian narratives are perceived on a global stage, one uniquely engaging story at a time.
Published on October 23, 2024, this Indian cinematic venture promises to add a new layer of excitement to global entertainment, drawing audiences into a world where old-school charm blends seamlessly with high-stakes action.
