Cast: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon, Saqib Salim, Shivankit Singh Parihar & others
Creator: Russo Brothers
Director: Raj & DK
Streaming On: Prime Video
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 6 episodes of 50 minutes each
Citadel: Honey Bunny Review – A Spin on the Spyverse
Plot Overview: The Indian adaptation of Citadel: Honey Bunny serves as a prequel to the 2023 Citadel series, which starred Priyanka Chopra. This time, we’re introduced to Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the parents of Priyanka’s character, diving into the origins of the Citadel spy agency. The show aims to unravel the backstory and creation of this intricate spy world, but does it succeed in captivating audiences over its six episodes?
In short, while Citadel: Honey Bunny may not grip viewers entirely, it does offer moments that outshine its predecessors. Let’s delve into why it falters at times yet manages to work as a whole.
Script Analysis: Varun Dhawan stars as a spy working for an agency run by Kay Kay Menon. His character ropes in Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Honey on a mission to thwart a rival agency. What unfolds is a slow burn of action, deception, and shifting loyalties. A pivotal moment comes when Samantha asks, “Are we the good guys or the bad guys?”—to which Varun replies, “It’s not that simple.” This dialogue sums up the essence of Citadel, where shades of grey blur the lines between right and wrong.
The plot requires patience from viewers. It builds its world incrementally, revealing key characters like Kay Kay Menon and Sikandar Kher in a rather lethargic manner. The story keeps you guessing, although sometimes it drags, testing your attention span.
Performance Highlights: Samantha Ruth Prabhu is the star of this series. She shines in her role, transitioning from a struggling actress to a fierce and capable spy. Watching her execute action sequences with precision is truly impressive. Raj & DK, the directors, ensure that her character’s South Indian background feels authentic, with her accent and mannerisms adding depth to her portrayal.
Varun Dhawan complements Samantha as Bunny. He brings a sense of calm amidst the chaos, portraying both a suave 90s spy and a mature father on a mission in the 2000s. His ability to balance vulnerability and strength in his performance is commendable.
A special mention must go to Kashvi Majmundar, who plays a young Priyanka Chopra. Despite her age, she convincingly portrays Nadia, a sharp and intuitive child navigating dangerous situations with her mother.
What Works: Citadel: Honey Bunny hits its stride after a slow start. By the time the second episode kicks in, the show finds its rhythm, particularly in its action sequences. These scenes are refreshingly grounded, avoiding the typical over-the-top stunts seen in many spy thrillers. Instead, Varun, Samantha, and Kashvi handle their physical roles with finesse, adding realism to the show’s intense moments.
The show also succeeds in creating emotional depth, particularly in the dynamic between Varun and Samantha. Their connection as a couple and as spies brings warmth to the narrative, making the stakes feel personal.
What Doesn’t Work: Despite its strengths, Citadel: Honey Bunny struggles with its screenplay. Written by Sita Menon along with Raj & DK, the plot often feels like a blend of too many familiar spy tropes, echoing elements from The Family Man and Salman Khan’s Tiger series. What could have been a tightly focused origin story for Citadel gets bogged down by a love story that at times detracts from the main narrative.
The timeline oscillates between the 1990s and 2000s, but this back-and-forth storytelling feels disjointed. Despite clear distinctions between the two eras, a more linear approach might have better served the plot. Additionally, after several episodes, viewers are left unclear about the true motivations of key characters. Who are the real antagonists? Why is everyone fighting over Project Talwar? These questions linger without satisfying answers.
Final Thoughts: Citadel: Honey Bunny isn’t without its flaws, but it stands as the strongest installment in the Citadel franchise so far. While the plot could use more cohesion, the standout performances from Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Kashvi Majmundar make it worth watching. The show manages to offer enough intrigue and emotional depth to keep viewers engaged, even if it stumbles along the way.
In conclusion, while the series lacks a powerful storyline, the strong performances and well-executed action sequences make Citadel: Honey Bunny a decent watch. It may not reinvent the spy genre, but it certainly adds some much-needed life to the Citadel universe.
