It has been three decades since Tim Roth leaned in to kiss Amanda Plummer in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction, tenderly calling her ‘Honey Bunny’. This phrase now takes on a new life with the upcoming Indian spy series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. Reimagined through the visionary lens of directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., famously known as Raj & DK, this show promises to encapsulate the lively and ubiquitous aura of the 1990s—an era synonymous with a passion for cinema. Centered around two dynamic, gun-toting spies, Citadel: Honey Bunny diverges from diner hold-ups to intensely perilous missions. The show is part of a sprawling multinational series spun from the American action-espionage franchise Citadel, which has accrued significant acclaim worldwide. Developed by the renowned Russo brothers, this universe now extends its branches to Italy and Mexico, besides India.
The Indian iteration is led by two of the film industry’s powerhouses, Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Their characters, Bunny and Honey, are introduced as an estranged couple united in their mission to safeguard their young daughter, Nadia. Fans of the larger Citadel series recognize the grown-up Nadia, played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, linking the Indian prequel seamlessly into the grand narrative tapestry. Audiences can look forward to the characteristic Raj & DK flair—the creators are known for their distinct touch of humor, action, and dramatic storytelling.
In a recent interaction, team Citadel: Honey Bunny offered insights into how they intended to maintain the ‘Indianness’, the cultural essence, in a series stemming from a Western origin. Varun Dhawan shared anecdotes about his character’s styling for the show, revealing the meticulous collaboration with chiefs like costume designer Ameira Punvani. The 90s era fashion does more than clothe the actors—it transports the viewers to a visual nostalgia, reminiscent of Mel Gibson’s rugged charm in Lethal Weapon and Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt’s vibe from yesteryear movies.
The setting gives the directors ample room to build an atmosphere rich in its cultural tapestry, distinct from the high-tech sophistication of its American sibling.
. Bunny and Honey belong to a world where technology doesn’t overshadow human connection and emotional depth. For Samantha Ruth Prabhu, portraying Honey was more than a dive into the action genre—it allowed her to explore a spectrum of emotions, pushing her own acting boundaries to new heights. She recalls how the segments showcasing her character as a struggling actress presented some of the most challenging yet rewarding portrayals in her career.
Speaking on the creative liberties provided in the making of Citadel: Honey Bunny, Raj Nidimoru expressed the freedom they received from the Russo brothers. Unlike the more confined American production styles, the creators opened up the sandbox, giving Raj & DK the freedom to craft a universe that resonates deeply with Indian audiences while remaining appealing globally. They designed the narrative and its vivid characters, Honey and Bunny, to thrive in the series’ unique setting—a 90s landscape, distanced from contemporary espionage narratives. It speaks of originality and embraces local culture and terrain, something that global viewers may find refreshing and authentic.
Varun Dhawan shed light on the robust storytelling approach they embraced, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections between the characters. He pointed out a significant, heartfelt scene involving his character and Samantha’s Honey, revealing the emotional gravity and depth that the series aspires to. On the action front, Samantha recounts the formidable challenges she faced in an intricately choreographed car chase scene. The sequence, although condensed to a 40-second thrill ride on screen, demanded upwards of 40 takes, underscoring the dedication of the cast and crew to deliver high-octane excitement.
The conversation isn’t just about the action or nostalgia, but also about taking Indian storytelling to a more prominent stage. Raj Nidimoru reflects on the subtle channels needed to showcase Indian series on a global scale, expressing hope that more shows will rise to international acclaim. Raj & DK are unyielding in their commitment to authenticity, steering clear of letting international influences overshadow their cultural narratives.
Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to become a remarkable saga, celebrating a high-octane blend of local charm and global appeal, emboldened by a narrative authentic to its roots yet universally relatable.
