Release Date : November 07, 2024
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Varun Dhawan, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon, Simran Bagga, Saqid Saleem, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Singh Parihar and others.
Director : Raj & DK, Sita R. Menon
Producers : Syed Zaid Ali, Alek Conic, Raj & DK, and others
Music Director: Sachin-Jigar, Aman Pant
Cinematographer: Johan Heurlin Aidt
Editor : Sumeet Kotian
Related Links : Trailer
The much-awaited spy action thriller Citadel: Honey Bunny has officially dropped today on Amazon Prime Video. With Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan leading the cast, the series has sparked considerable excitement. Read our review to discover how this Raj & DK-directed web series measures up.
Story:
Set in the year 2000, Hanimandhakini – known as Honey(Samantha Ruth Prabhu) – finds herself entangled in a web of danger as her past resurfaces with a vengeance. Her main priority is to protect her young daughter, Nadia (Kashvi Majmundar), from Baba (Kay Kay Menon) and his ruthless gang, who are closing in on them. At the same time, Rahi Gambhir, also called Bunny (Varun Dhawan), is on a quest to track Honey down. Who exactly is Honey, and why does Baba’s gang relentlessly pursue her? What hidden connection binds her to Bunny, and is there a deeper history between them? Will Honey find a way to escape the threats that surround her? With each episode, the series unravels these mysteries.
Plus Points:
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, celebrated for her role in The Family Man Season 2, returns to the screen in Citadel with Raj & DK, bringing high expectations. In a compelling turn as Honey – a determined mother and skilled spy – she captivates with a mix of strength and vulnerability, delivering a standout performance.
Varun Dhawan complements her well as her partner-in-crime, adding charm and depth to his role. Their scenes together are enjoyable, creating memorable moments that add to the series’s appeal.
A delightful aspect is the character of Honey’s young daughter, Nadia, played by Kashvi Majmundar. Her scenes add warmth and levity, while her interactions with Samantha’s character are both endearing and entertaining.
Supporting performances by Kay Kay Menon, Saqid Saleem, Soham Majumdar, and Shivankit Singh Parihar are all fine. The climactic single-shot action sequence is a highlight, impressively choreographed to create a visually gripping scene.
Minus Points:
Despite its star-studded cast, Citadel: Honey Bunny falls short in storytelling. The writing by Raj & DK, with Sita R Menon, doesn’t quite live up to the standard expected, lacking the sharpness and engaging twists often associated with their work. Dialogues by Sumit Arora also feel less impactful.
For fans anticipating the distinctive storytelling of Raj & DK, the series may be disappointing. The narrative lacks cohesion, and frequent time shifts between 1992 and 2000 can be confusing, interrupting the flow and engagement.
As a spy thriller and prequel to the renowned series Citadel, it falls short on suspense and tension, with cliffhangers that lack punch. Kay Kay Menon’s character, expected to be a formidable presence, feels underdeveloped, missing the intensity needed for a strong antagonist. Simran’s character, while initially promising, ultimately feels underutilized.
The action scenes, essential for this genre, lack the intensity needed to deliver a true thrill. Compared to the international Citadel series, the Indian adaptation is somehow better but misses the mark on the adrenaline-pumping sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Technical Aspects:
Raj & DK, along with Sita R Menon, struggle to make Citadel: Honey Bunny an immersive experience, with an absence of well-executed thrills and action. Cinematographer Johan Heurlin Aidt’s work is commendable, and the production successfully recreates the 90s atmosphere. However, the music is average and doesn’t elevate the tension required in certain places, and the editing could use more precision to reduce lagging scenes.
Verdict:
On the whole, Citadel: Honey Bunny, as a prequel to Citadel, falls short of its expectations. Samantha and Varun Dhawan deliver decent performances, but the series lacks the necessary thrills, captivating action, and narrative depth expected in an espionage drama. While there are some enjoyable scenes, the slow pacing and lack of gripping elements may leave action enthusiasts unsatisfied. This watch caters to Samantha’s fans, but thrill-seekers may need to adjust their expectations.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team