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| Citadel Honey Bunny Image credit X |
The much-anticipated Indian spin-off of Citadel, titled Citadel: Honey Bunny, starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, has left many fans disappointed. This new show, produced by acclaimed showrunners Raj & DK, aims to bring their trademark Indian touch to an international spy thriller framework. However, unlike their previous successes, Honey Bunny struggles to deliver the depth, wit, and energy fans have come to expect from these creators.
Raj & DK’s Stellar Track Record
Since their breakout in Bollywood, Raj & DK have consistently impressed with their unique storytelling style. Beginning with the sleeper hit Stree, the duo has successfully ventured into long-form storytelling with series like The Family Man, Farzi, and Guns & Gulaabs. Known for their engaging storylines and bold characters, their projects often blend humor, action, and social relevance, setting them apart in the Indian entertainment industry. Given this track record, expectations were naturally high when the Russo brothers tapped them to helm an Indian spin-off of Citadel.
The Plot – A Familiar Spy Drama
Citadel: Honey Bunny introduces us to Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu), a protective mother with a hidden past. Her ordinary life with her daughter Nadia (Kashvi Majmundar) is disrupted as she faces a threat, pushing her to re-enter a world she left behind. The story rewinds to the early 90s, where we meet Bunny (Varun Dhawan), a stuntman with a mysterious double life, mirroring Honey’s aspirations in an unforgiving film industry. The chemistry between these two, though intended to be engaging, falls flat.
The show’s overarching storyline – a clash of global spy agencies with a shadowy enemy’s world-domination goals – feels tired. Unlike The Family Man, which grounded its plot in real-world conflicts, Honey Bunny lacks specificity and stakes, resulting in a story that feels like a repeat of generic spy thrillers.
Writing and Direction – A Lack of Raj & DK’s Usual Spark
Where Honey Bunny stumbles the most is in its writing and execution. The witty, razor-sharp dialogues Raj & DK are known for seem absent here. Collaborating with writer Sita Menon, the show’s language feels generic, even formulaic. For instance, characters repeatedly mention a weapon that “could fall into the wrong hands,” which adds no depth or nuance to the plot.
In contrast, Raj & DK’s other works like Farzi and Guns & Gulaabs were brimming with vibrant language and unique cultural references that felt authentic. However, the cultural nods in Honey Bunny—such as a reference to a Shaan VHS tape or Honey’s admiration for Fearless Nadia—seem out of place, a mere attempt to add a nostalgic Indian flavor without meaningful integration.
Performances – Uninspired and Unconvincing
Despite having strong actors like Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, Honey Bunny fails to extract memorable performances. Samantha shines in action sequences, showcasing her physical prowess in choreographed scenes. But her interactions with Dhawan lack chemistry, while Dhawan’s Bunny shows more affection towards his fellow spies than his supposed partner.
Kay Kay Menon and Sikander Kher, otherwise capable of delivering intense performances, appear underutilized. This leaves a void in the emotional stakes and depth of character development, a stark contrast to Raj & DK’s previous series.
Conclusion – A Rare Miss from Raj & DK
While Citadel: Honey Bunny has its moments of action, the series fails to capture the magic Raj & DK usually bring to their projects. With generic storytelling, uninspired performances, and a lack of their signature wit, Honey Bunny is a rare miss from the talented creators. For fans of Indian storytelling, this series serves as a reminder that even the best creators need substance behind style to truly engage their audience.