In the vibrant commemoration of Pulp Fiction’s 30th anniversary, where Tim Roth famously called Amanda Plummer ‘Honey Bunny,’ filmmakers Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.) present Citadel: Honey Bunny, an Indian spy series that immerses itself in the nostalgia of the 90s cinema era. This anticipated show diverts from robbery-themed narratives to thrilling espionage missions, positioning its protagonists as crucial agents in maintaining peace. Headlined by Bollywood stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the series functions as both a spin-off and a prequel to the original American action-espionage series Citadel, brought to life by the visionary Russo brothers who aim to cultivate a global franchise extending into Italy, Mexico, and now India.
Despite its international parentage, Honey Bunny remains true to Raj & DK’s unique style, sculpting a plot that feels both fantastical and deeply rooted in Bollywood sensibilities. In the series, Varun Dhawan portrays Bunny, a Bollywood stuntman who engages Honey (played by Samantha), an aspiring actress, in a clandestine operation. As their paths diverge and reunite years later, they must collectively safeguard their daughter, Nadia—a character seen as an adult in the core series, portrayed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The Hindu had an insightful dialogue with the cast and creators about the infusion of Indian culture into Honey Bunny. In an interview, Varun Dhawan enthused about the distinctive fashion choices for his character, crafted by the adept costume designer Ameira Punvani. His look showcases leather jackets, rugged denims, high boots, and high-waisted pants. He even sports a mullet, reminiscent of Mel Gibson’s Lethal Weapon avatar. Dhawan also connects his character’s style to Sanjay Dutt’s iconic roles from that era, expressing his admiration for the fashion and film ethos of the late 80s and 90s.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared comedic anecdotes about her preparation for the role, reflecting on her past film performances with humor and humility.
. She recounted how directors Raj & DK, along with series developer Sita R Menon, playfully engaged her in scenes full of emotional diversity, including complex feelings like sadness and conflict. These moments of struggle depict only a minor slice of Honey’s character arc, serving as breaks amidst the high-octane action sequences that dominate the series.
Raj Nidimoru explained their initial hesitance yet eventual excitement upon receiving the opportunity from the Russo brothers. He emphasized the freedom they were granted to interpret the framework of Citadel, which allowed them to create a distinctive narrative outside the American style. This liberty birthed a series filled with uniquely Indian elements—notably, their envisioning of agents like Honey and Bunny is distinctively tethered to India’s cultural narrative, diverging from contemporary tales.
Dhawan described his dedication to conveying genuine emotions, noting an evocative scene between himself and Samantha highlighting his character’s past with Baba, a spymaster role inhabited by Kay Kay Menon. He emphasized the dramatic impact of dialogues free from excessive editing, allowing true emotional depth and engagement with the audience.
Samantha also pinpointed filming challenges, particularly a demanding car sequence requiring precise choreography with co-actors. Despite initial confidence earned from prior action scenes, this particular shot, captured in numerous takes, demanded flawless coordination, making it a memorable and instructive experience for her.
The creators voiced the importance of authentically exhibiting Indian culture to captivate global audiences. Referencing shows like Shogun, which were deeply entrenched in their cultural settings, the team underscored their goal to deliver similarly authentic Indian storytelling. They advocate for greater recognition and promotion of standout Indian shows on international platforms, to ensure they achieve deserved acclaim.
In conclusion, Citadel: Honey Bunny pledges not only action-packed entertainment but also an enriching cultural journey, promising to captivate audiences both domestically and globally with its unique narrative and nostalgic homage to Bollywood’s golden era. Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, alongside the creative vision of Raj & DK, are set to bring this captivating saga to life, blurring borders and genres in the process.
