Renowned filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, known for hits like ‘The Family Man,’ have taken a new creative direction with ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny.’ Speaking on their approach, the duo emphasized the need to create a distinct style and universe, diverging from the middle-class espionage of ‘The Family Man’ and embracing the high-stakes, fictional world of ‘Citadel.’
In contrast to The Family Man, which stars Manoj Bajpayee as a middle-class agent balancing family life and covert operations, ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ unfolds in an alternate universe where private spy agencies handle missions beyond national borders. DK explained that this shift to a “slightly fictitious universe” allowed them to explore characters with a larger-than-life presence, unlike the grounded, relatable Srikant Tiwari from their previous work.
Raj echoed the need for change, stating, “We couldn’t just replicate what we did before; we wanted to challenge ourselves with a new style and different storytelling.” This unique setting for Honey Bunny enabled them to craft a narrative that balances intense spy action with a heartfelt love story.
Set to premiere on November 7 on Prime Video, Citadel: Honey Bunny stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in a dynamic narrative that merges action and romance. The plot follows stuntman Bunny (Dhawan) and struggling actress Honey (Prabhu) as they are pulled into a perilous world of espionage and betrayal. Years later, the two estranged protagonists must reunite to protect their daughter, Nadia, from threats rooted in their past.
The concept, developed by Sita R Menon, a long-time collaborator of Raj & DK, was crafted to give equal importance to both Dhawan and Prabhu’s characters. Menon’s goal was to build a story that highlights their unique traits while showcasing them as equally powerful players within the Citadel universe.
Since the release of the Honey Bunny trailer, some viewers noted similarities to Hollywood’s action-comedy Mr. & Mrs. Smith. However, Raj clarified, “It has nothing to do with Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Instead, he hinted at “bigger plans” being executed as part of the global Citadel franchise, which includes versions like Citadel: Diana from Italy, expanding the series’ international scope.
Alongside Dhawan and Prabhu, the series boasts a stellar cast, including Kay Kay Menon, Simran, Saqib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, and Kashvi Majmundar. Citadel: Honey Bunny is anticipated to deliver an experience that combines action, romance, and a rich narrative, setting a fresh benchmark for Indian streaming content.
Credit: This article is based on information from PTI reports, Prime Video updates, and public statements from Raj & DK.
Key Highlights:-
- Filmmakers Raj & DK introduce a unique fictional universe in Citadel: Honey Bunny, differentiating it from The Family Man.
- The series stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu as unlikely spies caught in a world of high-stakes action and romance.
- The show is part of the global Citadel franchise, with other versions set in the U.S. and Italy.