I was nearly dozing off at the start of Citadel: Honey Bunny—until Samantha burst onto the scene with her first powerful kick! Read our full review to see how she turned things around.
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: Samantha & Varun Dhawan Bring Energy to Priyanka Chopra’s Spy Universe
In 2023, Priyanka Chopra took on the role of Nadia Singh in the Russo Brothers’ Citadel, a spy thriller set in a high-stakes, covert world. Although the show initially received criticism due to its weak screenplay, this didn’t stop the creators from expanding on the concept. An Italian spin-off set in 2030 soon followed, and now we have Citadel: Honey Bunny, an Indian chapter set as a prequel to Priyanka’s series. This new version features Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu as parents to young Nadia, tracing the roots of the Citadel agency. But does this Indian adaptation manage to captivate audiences and add value to the Citadel universe? Let’s dive in to find out.
The Plot: Spy Origins and Hidden Agendas
Citadel: Honey Bunny focuses on Varun Dhawan’s character, a skilled spy working for an agency led by Kay Kay Menon. His mission involves taking down a rival organization, and Samantha’s character, Honey, is brought into the mix. Over the course of six episodes, we witness a blend of action, mystery, and betrayal as Varun and Samantha’s characters navigate a complex world filled with shifting loyalties. However, the story’s pacing is uneven, especially in the beginning, which may test the patience of viewers waiting for the plot to pick up.
Samantha Steals the Show
The true highlight of Citadel: Honey Bunny is Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who plays Honey with a perfect mix of intensity and charm. Her character arc is impressive, transforming from a struggling actress into a fearless, formidable spy. Samantha’s action scenes are particularly engaging, and she brings a powerful presence to each scene, making her the emotional and visual center of the series. Her performance shines, giving life to both her character and the series as a whole, and her South Indian accent and background add an authentic touch to her role.
Varun Dhawan: The Balance Between Chaos and Calm
Varun Dhawan’s character brings a complementary energy to Samantha’s fierceness. As Bunny, he plays a suave, quick-witted spy in the 1990s, transitioning into a more mature, reflective character as the story shifts into the 2000s. His dedication to his mission and the bond he shares with Honey create a solid foundation for the narrative. Varun’s performance as a determined father on a quest adds depth to the storyline, showcasing his range as he moves between intense action scenes and emotional moments.
Kashvi Majumdar as Young Nadia: The Heart of the Spyverse
Kashvi Majumdar, who plays the young version of Priyanka Chopra’s character Nadia, is a standout. Despite her young age, she convincingly portrays a clever, sharp child navigating the dangerous world around her. Her chemistry with her on-screen parents adds a layer of emotional depth to the series, making her scenes compelling to watch.
Action-Packed Scenes with a Realistic Touch
One of the strengths of Citadel: Honey Bunny is its action sequences, which are grounded and realistic. Instead of the usual flashy explosions and elaborate chase scenes, the series keeps the action intense yet believable. Samantha and Varun, along with young Kashvi, handle these sequences with ease, adding authenticity to their roles as spies. The series also keeps viewers engaged with well-timed twists, as both the good and bad sides of the spy world are gradually revealed.
Pacing and Storytelling: A Mixed Bag
While Citadel: Honey Bunny excels in action and character performances, its pacing is a drawback. The initial episodes are slow, with the story taking its time to introduce each character, from Kay Kay Menon to Sikandar Kher and Saqib Salim. This lethargic start may test viewers’ patience, but the show eventually picks up as the central plot begins to unfold.
Another point of confusion comes from the timeline, which shifts between 1992 and 2000. Though the show clearly marks these transitions, the back-and-forth storytelling style can feel jarring. A more linear approach might have helped maintain the storyline’s focus and made it easier to follow. It’s also challenging to keep track of who the true villains are in this world, as characters often blur the lines between right and wrong.
The Themes of Good vs. Evil: Ambiguity in Morality
The show explores themes of morality, with characters frequently questioning the nature of good and evil. Samantha’s character asks Varun at one point, “Tum log acche log ho ya bure log?” (“Are you good people or bad?”), to which he replies, “It’s not that simple.” This line captures the essence of Citadel, where motives are unclear, and the boundaries between good and bad remain blurred. While this theme could have added depth, the ambiguity sometimes leaves viewers in the dark, struggling to understand the true purpose of the mission.
A Nod to Classic Spy Thrillers
Citadel: Honey Bunny draws inspiration from a range of spy movies and series, but at times it feels like an amalgamation of various spy tropes rather than a cohesive narrative. The storyline occasionally leans toward familiar spy tropes seen in Indian cinema, including references to Salman Khan’s Tiger series and Raj & DK’s The Family Man. These influences may appeal to fans of the genre, but they also dilute the originality of the Citadel universe, making it feel like a patchwork of previous works rather than a fresh addition to the spy world.
A Few Misses in Story Development
While the Indian spin-off excels in some areas, it misses the mark on fully developing the story of Citadel’s origins. There’s a constant hint of a larger mission, “Project Talwar,” but details are left vague. Even after several episodes, viewers are left unsure about the ultimate stakes. The dialogues are clever, with Varun stating, “Wo hero hi kya jo heroine ko bachaye bina mar jaaye,” (“What kind of hero dies without saving the heroine?”), adding a humorous touch. However, the climax doesn’t fully deliver, leaving viewers wanting a stronger, more decisive ending.
Final Verdict: A Flawed but Engaging Watch
Citadel: Honey Bunny may have a shaky foundation, but it’s ultimately the best of the three versions in the Citadel universe, thanks to the performances of Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Kashvi Majumdar. Despite a few missed opportunities in storytelling and pacing issues, the series manages to hold its own with solid character development and engaging action sequences.
In summary, if you’re a fan of spy thrillers, Citadel: Honey Bunny is worth watching for the strong performances, especially from Samantha and Varun, who bring life to this ambitious but uneven spy universe. While it may not satisfy every expectation, it still provides a thrilling ride, balancing intrigue, action, and an emotional core that keeps you invested.
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