Citadel Honey Bunny is the Indian installment of the series Citadel, created by the Russo Brothers of Avengers fame. Directed by Raj & DK, this series stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha in the lead roles. The six-episode web series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Let’s see how much this action-packed drama and suspense series manages to captivate the audience!
Story: Vishwa, also known as Baba (KK Menon), runs a separate agency in India. The leader of this agency is Rahi Gambhir, also known as Bunny (Varun Dhawan). Their missions rival those of the Citadel. Honey (Samantha), a junior artist in films, joins the team to set up a honey trap using a secret device. How did Honey and Bunny’s journey begin? Why has Citadel become an obstacle for them? What exactly is Baba’s mission? The answers to these questions form the storyline of the web series Citadel Honey Bunny.
Performances: Senior actors like KK Menon, Varun Dhawan, and Samantha add to the series. However, the standout performance comes from young Kashvi Majmundar, whose portrayal of the little girl Nadia is a highlight. Her sharp expressions and flawless performance are rare to see in child actors. Samantha shines more in action sequences than in dramatic performance. Her makeup, however, appears somewhat off, especially in the 90s scenes, where her look doesn’t feel natural. Her action scenes are impressive, and she has more action sequences than the hero. Varun Dhawan brings a natural innocence to his face, making his gestures in emotional scenes especially effective, no matter the situation. His emotional range shines in this series.
Technical Aspects: The action sequences are well-integrated into the storyline, making them a key strength of the series. The background score at times resembles the music from Tenet, but it complements the series well. The cinematography is excellent, especially in showcasing the distinction between the 1990s and 2000s. The efforts of the art and production teams also add to the series’ appeal. Raj & DK’s writing brings a certain magic to the series. The action and emotions feel balanced and realistic.
Analysis: Indian series with Hollywood-level production are rare, and Citadel Honey Bunny is one of them. Varun Dhawan’s performance, Samantha’s action sequences, and Raj & DK’s logical storytelling are the primary highlights. It’s commendable that the series is kept tight with only six episodes, avoiding any unnecessary padding. Additionally, it’s family-friendly, so there’s no need to skip or mute scenes.
However, the series has its fair share of issues. The emotions aren’t overly dramatic, either. Little Nadia’s character, well-developed and linked to Priyanka Chopra’s character in the American “Citadel,” shows how a child raised by a strong, independent woman is portrayed thoughtfully. The making is grand and visuals are top notch giving the series a grand look.
For KK Menon, this type of character is familiar, and while he performs well, the role doesn’t offer him much novelty. Simran plays another pivotal role, and her presence reminds us of her underutilized talent in Indian cinema. Shakib, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, and others contribute effectively to their respective roles. There is enough meat in this series for us to savor and this happens due to Raj and DK’s sincere narration.
Verdict: Overall, Citadel Honey Bunny is an action packed wen series that has great visuals and decent thrills. The star cast is A lister and this itself makes the series worth a watch once. The icing on the cake is the action packed stunts and drama.
Bottom Line – A Well Made Series
Rating: 3/5
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