Citadel Honey Bunny series depicts the thrilling lives of 2 espionage agents caught in the toxic world of spies. Can Honey (Samantha Ruth) and Bunny (Varun Dhawan) escape?
We recently reviewed the Citadel Diana (2024) Italian series here. Notably, both the Italian and the Citadel Honey Bunny (2024) Indian series are part of the original Citadel (2023) USA series. Therefore, one could say that both are set in the same universe as the Helicopter series of the Citadel Spyverse. Interestingly, the Citadel tale is going global.
“Citadel Honey Bunny” – 2 Indian Agents Inadvertently Get Caught Up In The Toxic World Of Spies & International Espionage
Spoiler Free Review of the Citadel Honey Bunny (S1/2024) Series
The trailer
The synopsis
Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s and early 2000s in India, the Citadel Honey Bunny (2024) series explores the lives of Nadia Sinh’s mother and father. So, in this Indian series, long after stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) engaged struggling actress Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) for a side job, their treacherous past catches up with them, necessitating a reunion of the estranged couple to protect their young daughter Nadia (Kashvi Majmundar). Notably, in the original Citadel (2023) series, Priyanka Chopra played the role of Nadia Sinh, an operative of Citadel. Therefore, this Indian spy show is a prequel to the original Citadel show.
Meet the 3 key characters of this Indian spy tale
Once a junior actress, Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) has transformed into a leading agent, having endured many hardships and betrayals. The emotional wounds inflicted by her father’s harshness and life’s treacheries have left their mark, yet she finds herself irresistibly attracted to the charismatic and mysterious Bunny (Varun Dhawan), even after a lifetime of mistreatment by men. When her circumstances change dramatically, Honey uses considerable skills to protect her daughter Nadia from harm.
The life of Bunny is defined by continuous adversity and unwavering loyalty. Orphaned at an early age due to the untimely deaths of his parents, his circumstances dramatically change when he is saved from a cruel orphanage by Guru (Kay Kay Menon), the enigmatic figure leading a covert spy organization. Bunny faces the harsh realities and ethical challenges that his career entails. His journey takes a transformative turn upon meeting Honey, a junior dancer with a heartbreaking history and a strong will.
At just seven years old, Nadia (Kashvi Majmundar) demonstrates an extraordinary level of wisdom, coupled with a spirited demeanour and sharp instincts, all of which are enhanced by the rigorous training provided by her resilient mother. Always on guard against potential threats, she encounters her greatest obstacle yet when danger approaches.
Indian Filmmakers duo Raj & DK have directed this Indian spicy show
It is worth noting that the American filmmakers Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (Russo brothers) created the original Citadel show. Now, the Indian filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK (Raj & DK) have directed this Indian spy series. In the past, we have reviewed their series: The Family Man, Farzi and Guns & Gulaabs in our Focus Magazine.
Now, in this Citadel Honey Bunny series, Raj & DK have added a fair amount of 1990s Indian Masala Movie ingredients. Ironically, that made it a predictable viewing for many Indians. However, there are more than enough twists and turns to surprise the viewers. To be honest, we did not like the fact that they depicted the ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’ (Rajasthan) location to be based somewhere in one of the Southern states of India.
Now, let us check out the other important spies too
At the helm of the espionage agency The Foundation, Guru/Baba (Kay Kay Menon) is adept at nurturing loyalty and dedication within his team. He strategically recruits orphans, who have consistently demonstrated to be the most promising candidates. One of his standout successes is Bunny (aka Rahi), who is fiercely intent on undermining his rival spy agency.
Chacko (Shivankit Singh Parihar) represents more than just Honey’s best friend; he is, in fact, like a brother to him. Their strong relationship was cultivated during their time in the orphanage, resulting in a lifelong companionship.
Ludo (Soham Majumdar), the prodigious tech expert of ‘The Foundation’, serves as one of Honey’s closest allies, enhancing his missions with his clever inventions. It was Honey who first acknowledged Ludo’s exceptional intellect during their shared experiences at the orphanage.
KD (Saqib Saleem), a relentless and unrepentant assassin, will stop at nothing to hunt down his targets across the globe. His primary goal is to eclipse Honey and secure his position as Guru’s top agent, motivated by an unwavering desire to be recognized as the best in their perilous spycraft.
Zooni (Simran), the pragmatic leader of Citadel, is resolutely focused on undermining The Foundation, a burgeoning rival agency that has become a significant challenge for her. Motivated by personal grief, she dedicates herself entirely to her professional responsibilities, expecting her team to meet the same high standards of excellence that she imposes on herself.
Shaan (Sikandar Kher), the most reliable agent of Zooni, serves as her primary operative for the most crucial assignments. His steadfast loyalty and unyielding determination render him a powerful presence within the Citadel.
We liked the entire ensemble cast, esp. young Kashvi
We liked the performances of the entire ensemble cast. So, Varun Dhawan (Bunny), Samantha Ruth Prabhu (Honey), Kay Kay Menon (Guru/Baba), Kashvi Majmundar (Nadia), Simran (Zooni), Sikandar Kher (Shaan), Saqib Saleem (KD), Shivankit Singh Parihar (Chacko), Soham Majumdar (Ludo), etc. played their parts well. Besides the three leading characters, we loved the unique roles of this series, namely, Guru, Zooni, Shaan, KD, Ludo, Chacko, etc. And we are sure that we are going to more of these quirky people, Ludo, KD, Chacko, etc.
There is a seasoned performer Kay Kay Menon, who plays a slippery character with his usual sauve style. We last saw Kay Kay in the Shekhar Home series. Not to forget, the intense actor Sikandar Kher, whom we saw in the Aarya and Aarya-Antim Vaar series. However, our special praise is reserved for the young Dubai schoolgirl Kashvi Majmundar. Portraying a young Nadia, the young actress Kashvi has given a compelling performance in her first acting role. Mind you, she is essaying the child role of the international spymaster Nadia Sinh rendered by global star Priyanka Chopra.
FM rating
| FM Rating | 3.30/5 |
The conclusion
The show is a must-watch for all those who have seen the original Citadel (USA) series and wish to learn about Nadia Sinh’s life story. No doubt, this spy series is mashed with garam masala flavours of typical Indian movies of the 1990s era. Still, it manages to entertain, in case, one is willing to overlook its inherent deficiencies and predictable plotline. And, of course, another cliffhanger ending suggests that we might see its next season soon. Till then enjoy the action-packed life stories of Honey and Bunny.
The poster of the Spy Series from India
Key details about the Spy Series from India
| Genre | Action, Drama, Spy, Thriller |
| Original Language | Hindi |
| Season | Season (1) One |
| Episodes | Six (6) Episodes |
| Creators | Sita Menon, Anthony Russo & Joe Russo |
| Directors | Krishna D.K. & Raj Nidimoru |
| Cast | Varun Dhawan (Bunny), Samantha Ruth Prabhu (Honey), Kay Kay Menon (Guru/Baba), Kashvi Majmundar (Nadia), Simran (Zooni), Sikandar Kher (Shaan), Saqib Saleem (KD), Shivankit Singh Parihar (Chacko), Soham Majumdar (Ludo), Yash Puri (Pratapa Rudra Raju), etc. |
| Network | Prime Video |
Spoilers Alert – Summary of 6 Episodes of the first season of the series
Episodes Summary
Dancing and Fighting (S1, E1) | 52 minutes
1992: Bunny, a stuntman in films, recruits struggling actor Honey for a side gig which endangers her life.
2000: Single mother Honey and her daughter Nadia’s idyllic life is shattered when Honey’s past catches up. And the estranged Bunny finds a truth that shakes up his life!
Talwar (S1, E2) | 55 minutes
1992: Guru’s agency makes inroads into their enemy’s Project Talwar. As romance blossoms between Honey and Bunny, she entrenches herself in the agency, despite Guru’s scepticism.
2000: Bunny reunites with Chacko to look for the estranged Honey and Nadia, who are running from their assailants.
Spy Game (S1, E3) | 47 minutes
1992: Bunny and Honey embark on the agency’s most important mission in Belgrade. Honey makes a shocking discovery.
2000: Bunny narrowly misses Honey and Nadia. Fearing the worst and left with no choice, he and Chacko turn to their old buddy Ludo for help.
Home (S1, E4) | 52 minutes
1992: Honey struggles to balance her feelings and love for Bunny with her duty to the mission, facing a profound inner conflict.
2000: Honey encounters a similar dilemma when she must decide whether to seek refuge in her childhood home, the place she once despised. Meanwhile, Bunny makes an important breakthrough about Guru and his motives!
Traitor (S1, E5) | 43 minutes
1992: Honey’s world is turned upside down when she discovers the agency she once trusted is not who they claim to be, forcing her to take a drastic step, risking everyone’s lives.
2000: Bunny plots Honey’s next step, as drastic as the one she took in the past.
Play (S1, E6) | 54 minutes
2000: As things come to a head, Honey and Bunny join forces to unleash their full might, fighting for love, family, and their daughter’s future. As KD decides to take matters into his own hands, the ensuing battle tests their resilience, leaving the future uncertain.
Poster and Featured Image of the Citadel Honey Bunny (2024) Series are credited to (Amazon) Prime Video.