Welcome back to Filmy Fool! It’s 2025, and we’re kicking off the year by talking about Citadel: Honey Bunny—the Indian installment of Amazon’s Citadel universe. While this show actually premiered in 2024, I finally got around to watching it, and trust me, it’s worth your time.
What is Citadel: Honey Bunny?
Originally created by Amazon with the Russo Brothers as executive producers, the Citadel universe started with the 2023 series starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra. The idea was to create multiple interconnected shows across different countries. Honey Bunny is the Indian leg of this franchise, helmed by the powerhouse duo Raj & DK.
The series stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in lead roles, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Kay Kay Menon, Sakib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, and many more. The show revolves around Citadel, a covert spy organization, and plays out as an espionage thriller set across two timelines—1992 and 2000. The non-linear storytelling keeps you engaged, making you constantly piece together the past and present.
Better Than the Original?
Now, if you were like me, you probably didn’t rush to watch Honey Bunny because Citadel was decent but not groundbreaking. However, to my surprise, this show turned out to be a much better experience. Here’s why:
1. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is Outstanding
Samantha delivers a power-packed performance as Honey. She embodies the role with grit, intensity, and nuance, making her the most compelling character in the series. Her action sequences, emotional depth, and screen presence elevate the show to another level.
2. Kay Kay Menon – A Masterclass in Acting
Kay Kay Menon plays Baba Vishal, and as expected, he is flawless. His micro-expressions, mannerisms, and dialogue delivery make his character unforgettable. Every time he’s on screen, he commands attention, proving once again why he’s one of the best actors in the industry.
3. Sakib Saleem’s Surprising Transformation
Sakib Saleem as KD is a revelation. Playing a rugged, intense character, he adds a different energy to the show. His chemistry with Varun Dhawan works well, making for an interesting dynamic between their characters.
4. The Action is Next-Level
One of the highlights of Citadel: Honey Bunny is its action choreography. The hand-to-hand combat sequences are brilliantly executed, and the gunfights are shot with a sense of urgency and realism. The cinematography and camera angles make the action sequences feel immersive, almost like you’re right in the middle of the fight.
What Didn’t Work?
While Honey Bunny is a solid show, it does have a few drawbacks:
• Pacing Issues: The show’s non-linear storytelling, jumping between 1992 and 2000, is interesting but uneven. Some parts are gripping, while others slow the momentum.
• Background Score Falls Flat: A high-octane spy thriller like this deserved a better background score. While some moments are elevated by the music, it generally lacks the punch needed to make scenes truly memorable.
• Varun Dhawan’s Performance Feels Underwhelming: While Varun isn’t bad, he doesn’t completely own the role the way Samantha or Kay Kay Menon do. His character, who is seeking love and belonging, comes across as a bit naive. Whether this was a writing issue or an acting choice is up for debate, but he could have delivered a stronger performance.
The Big Twist (Spoiler Alert!)
Here’s something that caught me off guard—Honey Bunny isn’t just any prequel to Citadel, it actually tells the backstory of Priyanka Chopra’s character’s parents! The show reveals that Honey and Bunny are Priyanka’s character’s parents, which adds a fascinating layer to the Citadel universe.
Final Verdict – Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. While it’s not a mind-blowing masterpiece, Citadel: Honey Bunny is a highly entertaining and well-made spy thriller. With Samantha’s stellar performance, gripping action, and strong supporting cast, this show definitely deserves a watch.
If you love espionage dramas with intense action and engaging characters, this is for you. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers enough thrills to keep you hooked till the end.
Have you watched Citadel: Honey Bunny? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!