Citadel Honey Bunny Review: Style and Action but Lacking Substance

Citadel Honey Bunny was poised to be an exciting spin-off, blending the Russo Brothers’ high-octane world-building with Raj & DK’s quirky humour and action-packed sequences. It had all the ingredients to be a hit, but ultimately, it failed to deliver a compelling story. While the show boasts slick visuals, thrilling action, and solid performances from its leads, the lack of a cohesive plot leaves it feeling disjointed.

The Plot: Two Timelines, One Disjointed Story

The show alternates between two timelines: 1992 and 2000. In 1992, we learn about the backstory of Honey and Bunny, the parents of Nadia (a character introduced in Citadel played by Priyanka Chopra). Bunny (Varun Dhawan) is a Bollywood stuntman who secretly works as an agent for Baba (Kay Kay Menon), a mysterious figure. Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) is a struggling actress who gets involved with Bunny’s dangerous world for quick cash. As she’s pulled deeper into the life of espionage, she faces a dilemma: are they working for the right people?

The show switches to 2000, where Honey is now a single mother to Nadia, constantly on the run from assassins. Bunny is still trying to protect her, but the constant threats add more urgency to the narrative.

While the two timelines are interesting, the story must be more cohesive. The pacing slows down after the initial excitement, and by the time the twists arrive, they seem predictable and lacking in punch. The intrigue that builds early on fizzles out, leaving the viewer frustrated by a lack of suspense.

Action and Visuals: The High Points of the Show

Where Citadel Honey Bunny truly excels is in its action. The action scenes are stylish, well-choreographed, and often jaw-dropping. The show’s use of guns and intense fight sequences elevates the series, making it visually immersive. Each punch, kick, and shootout feels impactful, and it’s clear that significant thought went into the choreography. Yannick Ben, Aejaz Gulab, and Dian Hristov deserve credit for their expert work in creating believable and thrilling sequences.

Aman Pant’s soundtrack, particularly the theme music, further enhances the atmosphere, adding weight to the intense moments and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Performances: Strong Leads, but Lacking Depth

Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu carry the show with their performances and do a commendable job. Samantha stands out with her portrayal of Honey—a strong but vulnerable character who isn’t afraid to fight back when necessary. Her no-nonsense attitude shines through, and her action scenes are awe-inspiring. Varun Dhawan’s Bunny may start as the weaker of the two, but as the show progresses, he grows into his role. The chemistry between them is palpable, and while it doesn’t break new ground, it’s enough to keep the audience engaged.

A lacklustre script overshadows their performances. The character development is shallow, and they are forced to do their best with what they’re given. The supporting cast provides some relief, though. Shivankit Singh Parihar, fresh from his success in TVF, brings a refreshing presence to the show. At the same time, Kay Kay Menon delivers his usual solid performance, even if his role as the villain feels too predictable.

A Missed Opportunity: The Villain That Could Have Been

One of the biggest disappointments in Honey Bunny is the treatment of Kay Kay Menon’s character, Baba. While Menon is an exceptional actor, his role as a morally ambiguous villain is undercut by the predictable writing. Instead of giving us a villain we could root for or sympathize with, Raj & DK opt for a more traditional “bad guy” portrayal. This was a missed opportunity to create a layered antagonist with depth, and it feels like a wasted chance to do something new with Menon’s undeniable talent.

The Verdict: Visually Impressive, but Lacking Substance

While Citadel Honey Bunny offers exciting action sequences, great performances, and a polished look, it must catch up due to its predictable plot and lack of depth. The pacing falters in the second half, and the twists fail to deliver the tension or excitement they should. Raj & DK have delivered more substantial content in the past, and while *Honey Bunny* is an improvement over its parent show, Citadel, it still needs to meet the high bar set by their previous work.

Citadel: Honey Bunny may please action junkies and those looking for a fast-paced thrill, but it won’t satisfy those looking for a well-rounded, cohesive narrative.

Citadel: Honey Bunny is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.