Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024) – Review
Director: Raj & DK
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon, Saqib Saleem, Soham Majumdar, and Shivankit Singh Parihar
Genre: Action-Drama
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Prime Video
Plot:
“Citadel: Honey Bunny” tells a compelling story within the Citadel universe, focusing on Nadia’s (Priyanka Chopra) parents from the original Citadel series. Bunny (Varun Dhawan) and Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) take the stakes along with the prequel story of Citadel. The plot revolves around espionage, family dynamics, and personal growth, as Bunny, a stuntman, learns he has a daughter, Nadia (Kashvi Majmundar). The show shifts between 1992 and 2000, adding layers to the characters’ backstories. The narrative, though ambitious, sometimes struggles with pacing, especially in early episodes, but picks up with emotional depth and high-stakes twists that keep audiences engaged
Performance:
Varun Dhawan brings depth and subtlety to Bunny’s character, balancing the character’s ruggedness with emotional vulnerability. This role marks a refreshing turn for Dhawan, as he leans into Bunny’s complexities rather than his usual high-energy roles. Samantha Prabhu complements him well as Honey, capturing both strength and sensitivity. Their chemistry is one of the highlights, creating a compelling on-screen partnership. Young actress Kashvi Majmundar also shines as Nadia, adding a layer of heart to the series. Supporting actors like Kay Kay Menon, Shivankit Singh, and Sohan Majumdar define their characters correctly, especially Saqib Saleem, giving his one of the best performances.
Direction and Action:
Directed by Raj & DK, “Citadel: Honey Bunny” offers well-choreographed action scenes that are more grounded than the original series, focusing on gritty, character-driven conflict rather than high-tech gadgets. The directors maintain tension and intrigue, though the pacing could have been tighter like in their previous work The Family Man and Farzi. Raj & DK’s style brings a unique touch to the Citadel universe, making this adaptation feel distinctively Indian yet connected to the larger Citadel storyline.
Music:
The music complements the series’ mood, with background scores that enhance intense and emotional scenes. While it may not be memorable in a standalone sense, the music effectively underscores the suspense and emotional beats.
Overall:
“Citadel: Honey Bunny” successfully combines action, drama, and character depth, making it a solid addition to the Citadel franchise. Although it may lack the grand scale of the original, this works as well because of Raj and DK’s style of direction. The character-driven focus and strong performances give it a relatable charm. The series is recommended for viewers interested in spy dramas with an emotional core.