In the midst of the 30th anniversary of the seminal film Pulp Fiction, wherein Tim Roth called Amanda Plummer ‘Honey Bunny’ in an iconic diner scene, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., more commonly known as Raj & DK, have crafted their own ‘Honey Bunny’ with an Indian twist. ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’, a new Indian spy series, captures the essence of India in the 90s—a period known for its unparalleled zeal for cinema and unique stylistic flair. Unlike their Pulp Fiction counterparts, who rob diners at gunpoint, the series’ protagonists embark on perilous, globetrotting missions aimed at maintaining peace and balance in the world.
This ambitious series is a prequel and spin-off of the American action-espionage show Citadel, conceptualized by the renowned Russo brothers. This international franchise aims for a seamless cohesion between its various renditions from around the globe, including installments set in Italy and Mexico. Nevertheless, Citadel: Honey Bunny retains the unmistakable signature of Raj & DK, characterized by a storyline that’s driven by larger-than-life action and unexpected twists.
Front and center in this explosive adventure are noted Bollywood icons Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who take on the roles of Bunny and Honey respectively. Varun Dhawan portrays Bollywood stuntman Bunny, while Samantha plays Honey, an aspiring actress. The plot takes a thrilling turn when this dynamic duo, introduced as a celebrated spy team, finds themselves years later as estranged partners who must reunite to safeguard their young daughter, Nadia. The character of an adult Nadia later surfaces as pivotal in the mother series, incarnated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
An intriguing component of their journey is the deliberate chronology and setting. Raj & DK have actively drawn from an array of influences, melding references from 90s Hollywood figures like Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon with the flamboyant style of Sanjay Dutt from classic Indian films of the era.
. Varun Dhawan, for instance, brings an iconic and visually eclectic style to Bunny, encapsulated by edgy leather jackets, retro mullets, and a vivid sense of nostalgia and cinematic homage. He explains, “The wardrobe set by Raj & DK alongside costume designer Ameira Punvani was insightful; it immediately plugged me into that time and place.”
On the other hand, Samantha Ruth Prabhu reflects upon her early film career, indicating a multilayered approach to her character. With a spread of emotions and challenges ranging from nuanced drama to intense action sequences, the development of her character Honey goes beyond the basic spy thriller archetype. With seasoned precision, she delves into the challenging aspects the filmmakers present, even recalling a particularly arduous car chase sequence engaging multiple takes to achieve impeccable synchrony required for such a climactic scene.
Raj Nidimoru shares insights into the creative liberation granted by the Russo brothers, freeing them from a rigidly defined script and allowing them to bring to life an authentic, Indian-flavored world which diverges from its American counterpart. “Our inspiration lay in the 90s, a creative escape from contemporary limitations, creating agents like Honey and Bunny who thrive within this universe,” says Raj, emphasizing the duo’s significant commitment to originality that ultimately convinced them to accept the Citadel opportunity.
For the actors of Citadel: Honey Bunny, this project is more than just another venture; it’s an exploration of identity and craft. Emphasizing deep cultural integration, Varun Dhawan notes, “It will take a show to be extremely Indian, because that’s something unique we’re offering to a global audience.” Samantha concurs with this sentiment, citing the inspiration from shows like ‘Shogun’ offering cultural depth. She praises Raj & DK for their focused perspective and dedication to bringing an authentic Indian narrative to the forefront in an entertainment world dominated by homogenized storytelling.
Despite India’s growing catalog of remarkable television productions, both the creators and the cast assert the importance of global recognition through robust marketing and distribution—factors crucial to elevating Indian content to the international stage. As Citadel: Honey Bunny aims to grasp the hearts and minds of a diverse viewership, it beckons as a testament to the creative synergy and collaborative power unlocking the potential of cinematic storytelling. Published on October 23, 2024, this is a thrilling ride into the heart of 90s India, through the craft of its illustrious past echoing into an adventurously vibrant present.
