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Citadel Honey Bunny Review: The series directed by Raj & DK and written alongside Sita Menon, marks the Indian entry into the Citadel universe originally created by the Russo Brothers. This Indian spin-off, featuring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, tells the story of a younger Nadia, played by Priyanka Chopra in the original Citadel, through the lens of her parents, Honey (Princess Hanimandakini) and Bunny (Rahi Gambhir). The series follows their journey as they navigate life-threatening missions, relentless enemies, and the complexities of being both agents and parents.

The storyline unfolds through a series of flashbacks between 1992 and 2000, moving across various locations. Rahi (aka Bunny) is introduced as a fearless stuntman, while Honey is an aspiring actress of the '90s. Initially friends, the two are drawn together by a mysterious foundation led by Kay Kay Menon’s character, Baba, who harbours a deep-seated vendetta against the Citadel. Baba, who once sheltered Bunny as an orphan in Mumbai, now commands unwavering loyalty from him. Things take a dramatic turn as Bunny and Honey's relationship evolves into love and years later, Bunny learns he has a daughter. His character transforms from a rugged agent to a fiercely protective father willing to sacrifice anything for his family’s safety.

Varun Dhawan delivers a commendable performance, balancing his role as Bunny, the stuntman-agent and Rahi Gambhir, the devoted father. His portrayal of Bunny’s fierce determination and Rahi’s softer, protective side lends depth to his character, allowing fans to see him in a new light. Varun’s chemistry with his sidekicks, Shivankit Singh Parihar (Chako) and Soham Majumdar (Ludo) adds an extra layer to the series, showcasing an authentic friendship that grows throughout the show. His action scenes, emotional sequences and camaraderie with his team bring back shades of his earlier roles in Badlapur and October, making this role feel both fresh and familiar.

 
 
 
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu gives a powerful performance as Honey, a skilled agent and a devoted mother, showcasing her grit as she shields her daughter, Nadia (played by young talent Kashvi Majumdar). Despite her health issues, Samantha brings both emotional and physical strength to the role. Her Hindi accent, justified by Honey’s Southern roots, adds authenticity. The chemistry between Samantha and Kashvi as the mother-daughter duo is heartwarming, and their bond becomes the emotional heart of the series. Kashvi Majumdar, as young Nadia, stands out with her natural talent, reflecting the fearlessness and obedience that set the stage for Nadia’s future as a formidable agent.

 
 
 
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Shivankit Singh Parihar surprises audiences with his transformation from his laid-back role as Guri in TVF's Aspirants to the disciplined and tough Chako, proving his versatility as an actor. His dynamic with Varun and Soham Majumdar (Ludo) brings lighter, human moments amidst the action, emphasising friendship as a core theme. Kay Kay Menon, as Baba, once again showcases his expertise in playing layered, intense characters. His complex role as the mentor and antagonist provides the necessary gravitas to the storyline, while actors Saqib Saleem and Simran add weight to their roles.

Raj & DK have proven their prowess in creating gripping content through previous hits like The Family Man, Farzi and Guns & Gulaabs, and they deliver here as well. Together with Sita Menon, they craft a narrative that feels tailored for an Indian audience, with a blend of action, drama and familial values. While the storyline could have been more suspenseful in parts, the strong emotional undercurrent makes it compelling.

The action choreography is a highlight, with long, well-coordinated sequences that bring out Varun and Samantha’s characters’ strength and agility. These scenes, particularly the intense action between the lead pair, are executed with precision, showcasing both actors’ commitment to their roles. The series takes a unique approach by infusing each action moment with an underlying emotional weight, making it more than just a visual spectacle. The background score and end-credit songs are thematically appropriate, though not particularly memorable. The lyrics of the closing tracks add a reflective touch, tying up each episode’s tone.

Final Verdict

Rating: 3.5/5

Citadel Honey Bunny is a blend of action, emotion, friendship and family values, making it a solid entry in the Citadel franchise. The series could have amped up the thrill factor, but it successfully captures the essence of love, loyalty and family, making it a refreshing addition to the Indian OTT space. Raj & DK’s adaptation is engaging and showcases stellar performances from the lead actors and supporting cast, with Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu leading an emotional yet intense narrative. Fans of both actors and those looking for a mix of action and heartfelt moments will find this series a rewarding watch.

Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Reflects On Citadel Honey Bunny Filming Journey: 'I Just Don't Know I Did It'

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