125 reviews
Watched it in one go last night but that does not mean it's good. It is such a clichéd spy TV show that there are so many times I felt that it should have been made in the years 1992 or 2000 where this story jumps back and forth. Why do the makers of Indian movies or TV feel the need to display a big year sign every time a story timeline transition happens? The audiences are presumed to be naive every time a 1992 or a 2000 appears on the screen in my opinion (and trust me it appears hundreds if not thousands of times). All I am saying is there are some really cool ways that certain filmmakers use to demonstrate this transition. One such method could have been to switch from the cameras available in 1992 and 2000 respectively at the start of this transition and then fade it out but who am I to give suggestions. It really does a good job when the leads are shown as children and you can see the transitions and storytelling becomes completely different from what we see in this back and forth "in your face, you are stupid" banners for 1992 and 2000.
As the title of this review says, expected a lot better from Raj & DK especially due to the fact that a story which could be a 2 hour movie is dragged to almost 6 hours to match the continuity of other series in the same universe.
Talking about the performances now. Varun Dhawan and the little girl are standout performers for me and in a parallel universe it would be so much fun to actually watch both of them in a father daughter spy duo. Samantha tries her best to fit into the character and shines in the earlier episodes of this series with her acting but her overall appearance and close up shots of "went under the knife giveaways" is somewhat irritating and not to mention her accent keeps on changing from being 'normal' in some places and then switching back to a southern forced accent (both Hindi and English) which, I assume, was added for fun elements but falls flat according to me.
Overall it is a big, stretched spy story filled with lot of usual cr*p. As this review is almost as long, boring and probably as meaningless as this show by now, I will still try to highlight some of the things that make it hard to watch.
I can go on with these goofs as I expected probably way too much from this series but it falls flat for me. Probably the makers did not get the freedom from the studio which is being loathed about in the social media after all. We are a long way from creating a show such as "Bodyguard" or "Slow Horses" but it is a start at least.
As the title of this review says, expected a lot better from Raj & DK especially due to the fact that a story which could be a 2 hour movie is dragged to almost 6 hours to match the continuity of other series in the same universe.
Talking about the performances now. Varun Dhawan and the little girl are standout performers for me and in a parallel universe it would be so much fun to actually watch both of them in a father daughter spy duo. Samantha tries her best to fit into the character and shines in the earlier episodes of this series with her acting but her overall appearance and close up shots of "went under the knife giveaways" is somewhat irritating and not to mention her accent keeps on changing from being 'normal' in some places and then switching back to a southern forced accent (both Hindi and English) which, I assume, was added for fun elements but falls flat according to me.
Overall it is a big, stretched spy story filled with lot of usual cr*p. As this review is almost as long, boring and probably as meaningless as this show by now, I will still try to highlight some of the things that make it hard to watch.
- Why do shooters have to come close to the main actors in a fight sequence even though they are carrying semi automatic guns?
- None of the supposed bad guys on the wrong side of the storyline seem to have any sort of tactical training. They all come in SUVs, get out of it and literally start walking towards two people shooting at them. I mean they are supposed to be highly trained agents of a legit organisation.
- The lead actress is abducted in the opening sequences of the film and left with her pager in her pocket while still being in the boot of the car. Which she uses to communicate with her daughter.
- You will not see a single cop in the series (maybe there were some but my mind just did not process them being there :P). This has been shot in India and Siberia and seems the cops are out on a holiday while people are ransacking a village or a hotel or even the streets of big cities in both the countries.
I can go on with these goofs as I expected probably way too much from this series but it falls flat for me. Probably the makers did not get the freedom from the studio which is being loathed about in the social media after all. We are a long way from creating a show such as "Bodyguard" or "Slow Horses" but it is a start at least.
- deepgarg123_2007
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
Citadel: Honey Bunny, an Indian spinoff in Amazon Prime Video's Citadel universe, attempts to build on the espionage-thriller foundation set by its parent series. With Raj & DK at the helm and a promising cast led by Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the series holds some potential but ultimately misses its mark. Raj & DK bring their signature style to the direction. After the intriguing setup, the plot progresses in a way that's more expected than exciting, failing to bring the fresh, high-stakes energy audiences might anticipate from a spy drama.
The series oscillates between two timelines, 1992 and 2000, following Honey and Bunny, played by Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who portray the parents of Priyanka Chopra's character from the original series. Initially, Citadel: Honey Bunny offers well-crafted backstories for the lead characters, drawing viewers into their world with a strong start. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes sluggish and predictable, lacking the twists and depth essential for an engaging espionage thriller. One area where Citadel: Honey Bunny shines is its action. The sequences are well-choreographed. John's cinematography captures the action sequences effectively, adding a layer of visual appeal that complements the series' ambitious themes.
Varun Dhawan impresses with his portrayal, particularly in the emotional scenes. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is equally gripping as Honey, delivering a performance full of intensity. Together, they execute the heavy-duty action scenes with commendable skill. The supporting cast offers additional highlights. Shivankit Singh Parihar is impressive. Kay Kay Menon is outstanding. Kashvi Majmundar performance is both adorable and impressive. While the performances are praiseworthy, the show's sluggish pacing and predictable plot make it a less-than-thrilling watch. Only action sequences and cinematography are notable highlights.
Raj and DK bring style, but the story feels predictable and lacks the edge you'd expect in a spy thriller. Impressive performances by Varun & Samantha, plus great action and cinematography, bring some excitement, but the sluggish pacing holds it back.
Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Action 3/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2/5.
The series oscillates between two timelines, 1992 and 2000, following Honey and Bunny, played by Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who portray the parents of Priyanka Chopra's character from the original series. Initially, Citadel: Honey Bunny offers well-crafted backstories for the lead characters, drawing viewers into their world with a strong start. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes sluggish and predictable, lacking the twists and depth essential for an engaging espionage thriller. One area where Citadel: Honey Bunny shines is its action. The sequences are well-choreographed. John's cinematography captures the action sequences effectively, adding a layer of visual appeal that complements the series' ambitious themes.
Varun Dhawan impresses with his portrayal, particularly in the emotional scenes. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is equally gripping as Honey, delivering a performance full of intensity. Together, they execute the heavy-duty action scenes with commendable skill. The supporting cast offers additional highlights. Shivankit Singh Parihar is impressive. Kay Kay Menon is outstanding. Kashvi Majmundar performance is both adorable and impressive. While the performances are praiseworthy, the show's sluggish pacing and predictable plot make it a less-than-thrilling watch. Only action sequences and cinematography are notable highlights.
Raj and DK bring style, but the story feels predictable and lacks the edge you'd expect in a spy thriller. Impressive performances by Varun & Samantha, plus great action and cinematography, bring some excitement, but the sluggish pacing holds it back.
Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Action 3/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2/5.
- nitsvirusboyz
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
Didn't expect this from Raj and dk.
This is the worst work done by them. I have watched countless movies and webseries in my lifetime and in my opinion this is just an average series.
There are only a few positive aspects of this series.
1. The cinematography of this series is nicely done.(especially in the last episode) 2. All the actors have done a great job. (But sometimes in Samantha's dialogue and expression the situation doesn't fit completely,maybe it's because of her native language is not hindi) 3. The BGM of the entire series is nicely composed. It fits with the situation.
Now let's talk about negative aspects of the movie.
1. I don't know why but everytime when the story goes back and forth (1992 and 2000) they display the year everytime and I don't quite like it. They should have themed the series according to the years displayed. For example they could have given a slight dark gray themed in the year 1992 so it wouldn't be necessary to tell each and every time the years that are being showed.
2. The overall storyline of the series is very average and predictable in my opinion.
3. Sometimes the series goes out of the track it doesn't focu on the story. There are lots of scenes that wouldn't impact the overall story even if they weren't in the series.
4. In my opinion this series could have been a 2 and a half hrs movie instead of a 5 hrs series. The story could have been completed in 2 hrs there's nothing extra to make a series about it.
Honestly the another series of this franchise Citadel:Diana was also below average series.
5. There are alot of parts where the makers doesn't showcase things which could be impactful in the series.
Summary: This is an average series if you want to watch it then it's upon you. If you think you can watch a 5hrs series which could have been a 2hrs movie then go ahead. But if you don't want to waste your 5 hrs then I don't recommend watching it.
The final question is: Is it worth watching?
In my opinion No.
This is the worst work done by them. I have watched countless movies and webseries in my lifetime and in my opinion this is just an average series.
There are only a few positive aspects of this series.
1. The cinematography of this series is nicely done.(especially in the last episode) 2. All the actors have done a great job. (But sometimes in Samantha's dialogue and expression the situation doesn't fit completely,maybe it's because of her native language is not hindi) 3. The BGM of the entire series is nicely composed. It fits with the situation.
Now let's talk about negative aspects of the movie.
1. I don't know why but everytime when the story goes back and forth (1992 and 2000) they display the year everytime and I don't quite like it. They should have themed the series according to the years displayed. For example they could have given a slight dark gray themed in the year 1992 so it wouldn't be necessary to tell each and every time the years that are being showed.
2. The overall storyline of the series is very average and predictable in my opinion.
3. Sometimes the series goes out of the track it doesn't focu on the story. There are lots of scenes that wouldn't impact the overall story even if they weren't in the series.
4. In my opinion this series could have been a 2 and a half hrs movie instead of a 5 hrs series. The story could have been completed in 2 hrs there's nothing extra to make a series about it.
Honestly the another series of this franchise Citadel:Diana was also below average series.
5. There are alot of parts where the makers doesn't showcase things which could be impactful in the series.
Summary: This is an average series if you want to watch it then it's upon you. If you think you can watch a 5hrs series which could have been a 2hrs movie then go ahead. But if you don't want to waste your 5 hrs then I don't recommend watching it.
The final question is: Is it worth watching?
In my opinion No.
- nepalprashant-76947
- Nov 7, 2024
- Permalink
A complete waste of a webseries with no proper storyline, poor screenplay, no proper emotional connect as well.. The movie shuttles between 1992 and 2000 but the cars, locations, guns and technology look more modern than that times which itself kills the authenticity of the plot.. They all fight for some "Thing" which is not properly explained about the meaning or significance which makes it boring.. Good cast but honestly not able to see good chemistry of the leads... Also good actors chosen and wasted...As usual surprises in betrayals which can no more excite and due to diwali too much of guns and crackers which also makes it very dull watch... Thankfully does not give a big lead with openended sub stories for season 2... There are no motivating factor for watching its part 2...
- kaliyugram
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
#anwarsays Anwar Says: Intricate storyline, polished action, top class cinematography are the highlights of this Russo's creation. But people expect more from Raj & DK, you may not go for a binge watch of this web series. It slows down many times and every other move is predictable. Director duo have been able to create suspense by setting it in 1992 and 2000 and frequently switching.
Chemistry of Varun Dhawan and Samantha is a treat to watch. Kay Kay Menon as sinister nails the character. But the character you are not going to forget is Kashvi Majumdar as Nadia , the 6 years old daughter of the couple. Her confidence and dialogue delivery are stunning. Casting director has made good research in picking the supporting cast.
One more feature of the series makes it watchable is the background score of Sachin-Jigar. Directors forgot to tell the audience, what was Operation Talvar. Overall not an outstanding spy thriller but you can go for it on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
#amazonprime #anwarsays #anwarsays #citadel #spythriller #fullofaction #varundhawan #samantharuthprabhu #kashvimajumdar #belgrade.
Chemistry of Varun Dhawan and Samantha is a treat to watch. Kay Kay Menon as sinister nails the character. But the character you are not going to forget is Kashvi Majumdar as Nadia , the 6 years old daughter of the couple. Her confidence and dialogue delivery are stunning. Casting director has made good research in picking the supporting cast.
One more feature of the series makes it watchable is the background score of Sachin-Jigar. Directors forgot to tell the audience, what was Operation Talvar. Overall not an outstanding spy thriller but you can go for it on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
#amazonprime #anwarsays #anwarsays #citadel #spythriller #fullofaction #varundhawan #samantharuthprabhu #kashvimajumdar #belgrade.
- sanjeevanwar
- Nov 7, 2024
- Permalink
Citadel Honey bunny is a captivating spy thriller that follows the high-stakes missions of two elite agents, Honey and Bunny, as they navigate the dangerous world of a secretive spy agency in the early 1990s. Blending action, suspense, romance, humor, and emotional depth, this series strikes a great balance across its six episodes.
The pacing is tight and consistent, with each episode delivering a mix of adrenaline-pumping action and poignant moments that keep you invested. The show shines through a strong screenplay and dynamic character development, which elevate its otherwise simple premise.
Raj and DK have expertly crafted a gripping experience, turning what could have been a straightforward story into a thoroughly engaging narrative. The action sequences are particularly impressive-Varun and Samantha bring their A-game to the high-octane scenes, while the young Nadia (played by the talented child actress) steals the show in every frame. Kay Kay Menon, as always, delivers a standout performance and never misses the mark.
While a few plot points and character arcs could have been more fleshed out, Citadel makes up for it with its stunning action, solid performances, and cinematic flair. Overall, it's an exciting and well-executed show that makes for a binge-worthy watch.
7/10.
The pacing is tight and consistent, with each episode delivering a mix of adrenaline-pumping action and poignant moments that keep you invested. The show shines through a strong screenplay and dynamic character development, which elevate its otherwise simple premise.
Raj and DK have expertly crafted a gripping experience, turning what could have been a straightforward story into a thoroughly engaging narrative. The action sequences are particularly impressive-Varun and Samantha bring their A-game to the high-octane scenes, while the young Nadia (played by the talented child actress) steals the show in every frame. Kay Kay Menon, as always, delivers a standout performance and never misses the mark.
While a few plot points and character arcs could have been more fleshed out, Citadel makes up for it with its stunning action, solid performances, and cinematic flair. Overall, it's an exciting and well-executed show that makes for a binge-worthy watch.
7/10.
- rinaydharan
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
Now that I've watched all three of the Citadel series--American, Italian, and Indian--I can compare them to each other, which I don't think is the original idea, but I'll do it anyway. But, that comes later.
Anyway, Citadel: Honey Bunny is a difficult six-parter to work your way through, even though it had some pretty good action sequences. But, the story is so lame and the actors are not engaging enough at bringing their characters to life or to make me want to care. The kid was the best actor to watch.
Now, to the comparison. Of the three installments, and much to my surprise, I'm enjoying the Italian, "Diana" the best. In fact, I've watched it several times. Though it lacked great action ("Honey Bunny" wins the Action prize), the "Diana" episodes draw you in, make you care about what happens to the characters--and Italy has never been more beautiful. Finally, the original "Citadel" comes in second because of it's clever plot twist, and the best acting cast of the three.
Final scores:
Diana = A- Citadel = B Honey Bunny = C+
Anyway, Citadel: Honey Bunny is a difficult six-parter to work your way through, even though it had some pretty good action sequences. But, the story is so lame and the actors are not engaging enough at bringing their characters to life or to make me want to care. The kid was the best actor to watch.
Now, to the comparison. Of the three installments, and much to my surprise, I'm enjoying the Italian, "Diana" the best. In fact, I've watched it several times. Though it lacked great action ("Honey Bunny" wins the Action prize), the "Diana" episodes draw you in, make you care about what happens to the characters--and Italy has never been more beautiful. Finally, the original "Citadel" comes in second because of it's clever plot twist, and the best acting cast of the three.
Final scores:
Diana = A- Citadel = B Honey Bunny = C+
I am reading all these smart and intellectual reviews about how the series is lame for silly reasons and wondering where does they go when cheap movies like Pushpa,KGF gets celebrated as masterpiece blockbuster. I think they expected some kind of Inception or Memento level of twist. Very laughable negative reviews,ignore them,perfect Bollywood experience with a little touch of 90s. Varun's acting was on spot and it is rare to see him not over acting. Samantha killed in the action but the acting could be a bit better at some point. The child actor was a pro. K. K. Menon's acting is goated as always. But the side villain characters like KD did amazing job. The story could be more surprising. Basic story but the storytelling is good. The BGM crew definitely needs a raise..Not a legendary masterpiece like most of the reviewers expected but definitely a fun watch.
- yushasaberin
- Nov 7, 2024
- Permalink
One of the most awaited series of 2024 by Raj & DK is finally streaming on Prime Video. Clearly this one beats the previous shows of the Franchise.
The series excels in terms of action sequences and twists in the storyline. The show consists of 6eps, for which this doesn't seem to be boring. This series has its drawbacks but still it's worth watching. There wasn't a need for ending it in a cliffhanger for S2 which could've been avoided. This has the same vibe of every other works of Raj & DK but somehow things looked scratchy in between. I mean look at their previous works, be it Farzi, Family Man or Guns & Gulaabs each time they proved their worth with their creativity and engaging plot but this time things didn't go too well which ended up being a one time watch. Varun, Samantha and Kay Kay Menon sir were good in their respective roles.
Overall a decent series to binge-watch this weekend which would take nearly 4-5hrs.
3/5.
The series excels in terms of action sequences and twists in the storyline. The show consists of 6eps, for which this doesn't seem to be boring. This series has its drawbacks but still it's worth watching. There wasn't a need for ending it in a cliffhanger for S2 which could've been avoided. This has the same vibe of every other works of Raj & DK but somehow things looked scratchy in between. I mean look at their previous works, be it Farzi, Family Man or Guns & Gulaabs each time they proved their worth with their creativity and engaging plot but this time things didn't go too well which ended up being a one time watch. Varun, Samantha and Kay Kay Menon sir were good in their respective roles.
Overall a decent series to binge-watch this weekend which would take nearly 4-5hrs.
3/5.
- basudevdas_18
- Nov 7, 2024
- Permalink
As someone who loved Raj and DKs previous works, I was extremely disappointed with this one. Wasn't worth the hype.
I like Samantha, but felt she's not at all fit for this role, did not enjoy watching her. She did not seem intimidating or bad ass, frankly her acting and her dialogue delivery in Hindi did not feel natural.
Felt the same about Simran's role.
Both the characters felt extremely pretentious.
The storyline is very average, with predictable twists.
Varun dhavan faired well, K K Menon as usual nailed the role.
The only part I liked was episode 6 fight sequence. Rest all is passable.
Do not recommend watching this. Save your time.
I like Samantha, but felt she's not at all fit for this role, did not enjoy watching her. She did not seem intimidating or bad ass, frankly her acting and her dialogue delivery in Hindi did not feel natural.
Felt the same about Simran's role.
Both the characters felt extremely pretentious.
The storyline is very average, with predictable twists.
Varun dhavan faired well, K K Menon as usual nailed the role.
The only part I liked was episode 6 fight sequence. Rest all is passable.
Do not recommend watching this. Save your time.
- kanikay-80647
- Nov 7, 2024
- Permalink
- bhubaneswariroutray-12653
- Nov 11, 2024
- Permalink
Citadel: Honey Bunny" is a spy series full of action, emotion, and drama. It stars Samantha and Varun Dhawan. Samantha is the main highlight of the series. You can see her dedication and passion in her role, and her fitness and emotional acting stand out. She performs all the action scenes really well, and it feels like only she could play this role. In the series, she has a daughter, a mini version of her, whom she has trained in self-defense and mental strength. Varun Dhawan does well in his role too.
Episodes 1, 2, and 3 are amazing, full of action and emotion, with the story hitting its high points. There are tense moments that really make you feel involved. The action scenes and gunfights are exciting, and they're shot very well. The long, single-shot scenes, especially Samantha's car fight scene and the climax action sequence, are impressive. Each episode reveals more of the story and secrets, and the way the scenes are ordered makes it even more interesting.
Last three episodes (Episodes 4, 5, and 6) slow down a bit. The momentum of the story feels like it drops, and it was a little boring at times. However, the action scenes kept me interested, even though the writing wasn't as strong in these episodes. Overall, I enjoyed the series, especially the action scenes and the long, single shots.
If you're watching with family, note that there are a few intimate moments between the main characters. Other than that, it's a good series watch and enjoy.
Episodes 1, 2, and 3 are amazing, full of action and emotion, with the story hitting its high points. There are tense moments that really make you feel involved. The action scenes and gunfights are exciting, and they're shot very well. The long, single-shot scenes, especially Samantha's car fight scene and the climax action sequence, are impressive. Each episode reveals more of the story and secrets, and the way the scenes are ordered makes it even more interesting.
Last three episodes (Episodes 4, 5, and 6) slow down a bit. The momentum of the story feels like it drops, and it was a little boring at times. However, the action scenes kept me interested, even though the writing wasn't as strong in these episodes. Overall, I enjoyed the series, especially the action scenes and the long, single shots.
If you're watching with family, note that there are a few intimate moments between the main characters. Other than that, it's a good series watch and enjoy.
I saw Citadel: Honey Bunny hoping for a solid spy thriller, but honestly, it was pretty disappointing. The story felt flat, like they were just going through the motions without any real excitement. The action scenes didn't help much either - they felt awkward and weren't intense or thrilling at all.
The screenplay was another weak spot. It didn't flow well, and instead of feeling natural, the scenes felt forced, as if they were following a rigid formula. This made it hard to get into the story, and the actors seemed to struggle because of it. Speaking of the cast, they just didn't fit their roles. Even though some of them are talented, they felt out of place here, and their performances lacked chemistry, making it hard to feel invested in the characters or their missions.
Comparing it to The Family Man, which really pulled me in with its strong story and relatable characters, Citadel: Honey Bunny felt like it was trying too hard but didn't really know what worked. The Family Man kept me hooked the whole way, but Citadel just missed the mark and felt like a failed attempt at creating an Indian spy thriller.
Overall, Citadel: Honey Bunny didn't work for me at all. The dull story, weak action, and mismatched cast didn't come together. I expected a lot more, but this just didn't deliver.
The screenplay was another weak spot. It didn't flow well, and instead of feeling natural, the scenes felt forced, as if they were following a rigid formula. This made it hard to get into the story, and the actors seemed to struggle because of it. Speaking of the cast, they just didn't fit their roles. Even though some of them are talented, they felt out of place here, and their performances lacked chemistry, making it hard to feel invested in the characters or their missions.
Comparing it to The Family Man, which really pulled me in with its strong story and relatable characters, Citadel: Honey Bunny felt like it was trying too hard but didn't really know what worked. The Family Man kept me hooked the whole way, but Citadel just missed the mark and felt like a failed attempt at creating an Indian spy thriller.
Overall, Citadel: Honey Bunny didn't work for me at all. The dull story, weak action, and mismatched cast didn't come together. I expected a lot more, but this just didn't deliver.
- movie_buffalo
- Nov 7, 2024
- Permalink
Expected more from Farzi makers they disappointed me. Performance wise all actors done their job perfectly. But story & screenplay is not that impressive .Cinematography, Action sequences, Samantha performance & her hindi dubbing are highlights .Without said things this series would have been very boring. I didn't feel the importance of Armada tech at all. I felt why all are killing each other & doing top notch action sequences just for some random disc that's how it felt. Dubbing artist selection for Samantha telugu version citadel is very disappointing. Samantha as honey is a perfect choice.
- jayanthkumar-09902
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
The movie is dull and you are in no manner able to relate to the story line. No background of what and why KK Menon is doing.
The story does not have so depth to make a series of 6 episodes. It could be made as a movie only
Raj & DK do give their directorial touch but not enough to save the movie. Also, the initial episodes miss lighting a lot, not able to see things clearly even i increase by TV brightness to full. Varun and Samantha were a good cast but did not utilise to their full potential.
Only likeable thing - the child daughter and the techie ludo, his characters where having puns and citing apt limitations of tech.
Expected more from such a good case, Overall disappointing.
The story does not have so depth to make a series of 6 episodes. It could be made as a movie only
Raj & DK do give their directorial touch but not enough to save the movie. Also, the initial episodes miss lighting a lot, not able to see things clearly even i increase by TV brightness to full. Varun and Samantha were a good cast but did not utilise to their full potential.
Only likeable thing - the child daughter and the techie ludo, his characters where having puns and citing apt limitations of tech.
Expected more from such a good case, Overall disappointing.
- uditsharma
- Nov 9, 2024
- Permalink
This Indian spin-off of the Russo Brothers' "Citadel" aims to capture the charm of a spy action thriller but delivers a rather lackluster experience. Like its original and Italian counterpart, this adaptation leans heavily on some out-dated spy tropes and quirky story elements that may not feel fresh.
The characters, unfortunately, lack depth, and the narrative often stumbles, featuring a screenplay that's padded with boring scenes, seemingly to stretch the runtime. Some critical moments feel illogical.
Mediocre direction by Raj & DK, The show takes place in the early '90s and 2000, but aside from a random pager tossed in, there's hardly any effort to make the setting feel authentic to the time.
Varun Dhawan, in the lead, certainly gives his all-he looks the part and shows dedication, though his acting may not quite match the demands of the role.
Samantha, on the other hand, is energetic in her over acting and her expressions and voice sometimes feel annoying. The de-aging effects on her face are painfully obvious, and with all the plastic surgeries, Botox and Heavy makeup her appearance feels more artificial than authentic. While her commitment to action scenes is clear it's hard yo watch those fist fights which are composed in very silly manner.
Child actor Kashvi brings a cute presence, though her acting is still evolving.
Among the rest of the cast, Kay Kay and Simran deserve special praise, bringing solid performances that lift the story.
The production values are respectable, with template cinematography and decent music. Overall, I wouldn't rush to recommend this series.
The characters, unfortunately, lack depth, and the narrative often stumbles, featuring a screenplay that's padded with boring scenes, seemingly to stretch the runtime. Some critical moments feel illogical.
Mediocre direction by Raj & DK, The show takes place in the early '90s and 2000, but aside from a random pager tossed in, there's hardly any effort to make the setting feel authentic to the time.
Varun Dhawan, in the lead, certainly gives his all-he looks the part and shows dedication, though his acting may not quite match the demands of the role.
Samantha, on the other hand, is energetic in her over acting and her expressions and voice sometimes feel annoying. The de-aging effects on her face are painfully obvious, and with all the plastic surgeries, Botox and Heavy makeup her appearance feels more artificial than authentic. While her commitment to action scenes is clear it's hard yo watch those fist fights which are composed in very silly manner.
Child actor Kashvi brings a cute presence, though her acting is still evolving.
Among the rest of the cast, Kay Kay and Simran deserve special praise, bringing solid performances that lift the story.
The production values are respectable, with template cinematography and decent music. Overall, I wouldn't rush to recommend this series.
- best-review
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
Varun Dhawan is brilliant as Rahi Gambhir aka Agent Bunny, he's given an outstanding performance and did fantastic in the action scenes and his chemistry with Samantha was absolute fire!!! Varun should be more careful with his script selection in films, he's performed undoubtedly very well in his first OTT series.
Samantha, my favourite and my love! Uffff she was so hot, stunning and gorgeous as Honey!!!!! Absolutely loved her, I have fallen in love with Sam all over again! She was just too damn excellent! Loved her performance, her chemistry with Varun and the way she brilliantly performed those action scenes!
Kashvi Majmundar as Young Nadia was so cute and adorable!!!
Kay Kay Menon sir was fantastic and gave a great performance!
Simran ma'am performed well in her role and was excellent! Wished she had more scenes with Samantha.
Supporting cast like Saqib Saleem, Soham Majumdar, and Sikander Kher were also excellent in their roles!! Saqib Saleem was an absolute surprise and a beast!
The action scenes were well choreographed and shot, the cinematography was excellent and the writing of Raj & DK is wonderful. Absolutely loved Raj & DK's last Prime series The Family Man seasons 1 & 2 and can't wait for season 3!!
All said and done, Citadel: Honey Bunny is absolutely brilliant and a total must watch!!!! Don't miss it!!!!
Samantha, my favourite and my love! Uffff she was so hot, stunning and gorgeous as Honey!!!!! Absolutely loved her, I have fallen in love with Sam all over again! She was just too damn excellent! Loved her performance, her chemistry with Varun and the way she brilliantly performed those action scenes!
Kashvi Majmundar as Young Nadia was so cute and adorable!!!
Kay Kay Menon sir was fantastic and gave a great performance!
Simran ma'am performed well in her role and was excellent! Wished she had more scenes with Samantha.
Supporting cast like Saqib Saleem, Soham Majumdar, and Sikander Kher were also excellent in their roles!! Saqib Saleem was an absolute surprise and a beast!
The action scenes were well choreographed and shot, the cinematography was excellent and the writing of Raj & DK is wonderful. Absolutely loved Raj & DK's last Prime series The Family Man seasons 1 & 2 and can't wait for season 3!!
All said and done, Citadel: Honey Bunny is absolutely brilliant and a total must watch!!!! Don't miss it!!!!
Love how all Citadel series are carried by the female leads. Samantha is the soul of this one, it's basically her story and she performed it to the T. I didn't expect her to be this good in fight sequences, but she did surprise me. The cliff hanger ending was disappointing, now have to wait for season two and with my fish memory by then I will forget what season 1 was about :(
Kay Kay Menon can never be bad at whatever he does, but wish there was a back story as to what and why he is the way he is.
The romance between Samantha and Varun was disappointing to me. It lacked depth.
Hoping for season 2 to release soon.
The romance between Samantha and Varun was disappointing to me. It lacked depth.
Hoping for season 2 to release soon.
- neethaquarian
- Dec 12, 2024
- Permalink
Samantha & the kid were the only actors who pulled up the series and kept it together. Supporting actors were good too. Varun Dhavan, as usual, was overacting ki dukaan. The episodes ended well, but the idea of becoming an agent on your own and opening & operating a private spy agency all by yourself is a bit more to digest. Again, the last episode ended abruptly, no clues, nothing.
After watching all the episodes, you'll feel like you've wasted your time. At the end, it gives a feeling of Rohit Shetty movie with all cars going up in air and guns & grenades going off everywhere. Except Varun Dhawan fans, others may avoid.
After watching all the episodes, you'll feel like you've wasted your time. At the end, it gives a feeling of Rohit Shetty movie with all cars going up in air and guns & grenades going off everywhere. Except Varun Dhawan fans, others may avoid.
- itsdew-19542
- Nov 8, 2024
- Permalink
All the 6 episodes keep u hooked. A very well made series by raj and DK with Samantha and Varun Dhawan nailing in their roles so perfectly. Shot in the 1990s to 2000 era it perfectly captures the locations and essence so well that you get lost in it. The action scenes are very well choreographed and the climax needs a special mention which is so good to watch. The casting is so perfect and the every character did justice to their roles.
It is like a prequel to the main Citadel American version as this shows the childhood of Nadia who is the younger version of Priyanka Chopra. Samantha just rocks in tis one. Do not miss it.
It is like a prequel to the main Citadel American version as this shows the childhood of Nadia who is the younger version of Priyanka Chopra. Samantha just rocks in tis one. Do not miss it.
- sravan-61165
- Nov 9, 2024
- Permalink
Citadel: Honey Bunny serves well as a spin-off, offering a look into the life of young Nadia-just six years old here-and laying the groundwork for the world seen in Citadel with Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. This Indian prequel is crafted with style, featuring a grand, cinematic scale that pulls you in. It has its high points, especially as the episodes progress, with standout action scenes and steadily building suspense. Yet, it feels like a missed chance. While there's room for an exciting and fresh addition to the Citadel franchise, the series gets bogged down by familiar spy clichés and lacks narrative innovation. The cast works to elevate the material, though it's tough to overcome a script that never quite delivers. The nonlinear storytelling also adds to its challenges.
- adamwarlock-13263
- Nov 6, 2024
- Permalink
Citadel: Honey Bunny attempts to do proves way too much for a script that, even at its best, can only laboriously inch its way forward - and backwards. Citadel: Honey Bunny is an Indian spinoff of Amazon Prime Video's Citadel Spyverse that was birthed last year in an espionage thriller series fronted by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden and executive produced by the Russo brothers. While it has its share of action, it runs low on intrigue and suspense.
The Russo brothers are on board again, this time alongside another successful filmmaking pair - executive producers and directors Raj & DK - but the fare that they produce with Varun Dhawan and Samantha playing the titular agents makes heavy weather of the genre.
The series plays out in two timelines - 1992 and 2000. In the earlier phase, it has a sequence in which Bollywood stuntman Bunny asserts that the way actors die in Hindi films is fake and proceeds to show Honey how death occurs in real life when a man is shot.
The various ways of dropping dead that Bunny demonstrates in jest are strewn all across Citadel: Honey Bunny as the action alternates between India (Bombay/Mumbai and Nainital) and Belgrade. None of them look either real or startling.
The six-episode series looks in vain for an emotional core by utilizing its quieter moments to explore family and friendship, love and loyalty, betrayal and moral dilemmas. Those portions of the series are always drowned out by the din generated by Honey and Bunny's fight for survival in a slippery world where one false step could prove to be the last.
Honey and Bunny's pasts go beyond 1992 and the series would have done well to give the audience a little more of what the two protagonists endured as children. Both seek to erase memories of the troubles they have had to contend with growing up lonely and unhappy.
Their backstories are devoted to brief flashbacks that serve to just about explain the mindsets that they have carried into adulthood, while the series squarely focuses on the spunky little girl who they must protect at all costs from rival agents.
Citadel: Honey Bunny has two facets to it. One centres on the conventions of the spy thriller, which Raj & DK so skillfully turned on their head in The Family Man.
The other exudes the sort of retro Bollywood potboiler spirit that the duo at once celebrated and lampooned in Guns & Gulaabs. On the former count, they take no risks. On the latter too, they hold back.
The Russo brothers are on board again, this time alongside another successful filmmaking pair - executive producers and directors Raj & DK - but the fare that they produce with Varun Dhawan and Samantha playing the titular agents makes heavy weather of the genre.
The series plays out in two timelines - 1992 and 2000. In the earlier phase, it has a sequence in which Bollywood stuntman Bunny asserts that the way actors die in Hindi films is fake and proceeds to show Honey how death occurs in real life when a man is shot.
The various ways of dropping dead that Bunny demonstrates in jest are strewn all across Citadel: Honey Bunny as the action alternates between India (Bombay/Mumbai and Nainital) and Belgrade. None of them look either real or startling.
The six-episode series looks in vain for an emotional core by utilizing its quieter moments to explore family and friendship, love and loyalty, betrayal and moral dilemmas. Those portions of the series are always drowned out by the din generated by Honey and Bunny's fight for survival in a slippery world where one false step could prove to be the last.
Honey and Bunny's pasts go beyond 1992 and the series would have done well to give the audience a little more of what the two protagonists endured as children. Both seek to erase memories of the troubles they have had to contend with growing up lonely and unhappy.
Their backstories are devoted to brief flashbacks that serve to just about explain the mindsets that they have carried into adulthood, while the series squarely focuses on the spunky little girl who they must protect at all costs from rival agents.
Citadel: Honey Bunny has two facets to it. One centres on the conventions of the spy thriller, which Raj & DK so skillfully turned on their head in The Family Man.
The other exudes the sort of retro Bollywood potboiler spirit that the duo at once celebrated and lampooned in Guns & Gulaabs. On the former count, they take no risks. On the latter too, they hold back.
- cs_rahul_prasad
- Nov 8, 2024
- Permalink
Raj & DK indeed missed their target by miles. The series works in portions especially the action sequences. BGM is good but could have been better. Cinematography is fantastic and compliments the top class action.
Lead or supporting actors don't leave any good impression. But they couldn't have done much with a dud script and story-line. At many occasions director duo tried hard to push supposedly profound punchlines but they mostly fall flat.
The chemistry between Bunny and Chako is just tolerable, it's nothing like Shrikant Tiwari and JK. Similarly there is hardly any spark between Honey and Bunny. Many dialogs seem lame and sometime weird. Wasting a talent like Kay Kay Memon is unforgivable.
Whole thing looks unpolished at many level and tries to compensate the emotions, thrills and drama with high voltage gun fights and production value.
It is evident that makers have received good funding but they chose to spend lavishly on cars only. At times it looks ridiculous and agents travel with such big convoy of cars.
Dear Raj & DK, we have high expectations from you. Pls don't do these stupid projects.
What's works: Action, Cinematography, Production quality, BGM What doesn't: Script, Story, Acting, Direction etc.
Lead or supporting actors don't leave any good impression. But they couldn't have done much with a dud script and story-line. At many occasions director duo tried hard to push supposedly profound punchlines but they mostly fall flat.
The chemistry between Bunny and Chako is just tolerable, it's nothing like Shrikant Tiwari and JK. Similarly there is hardly any spark between Honey and Bunny. Many dialogs seem lame and sometime weird. Wasting a talent like Kay Kay Memon is unforgivable.
Whole thing looks unpolished at many level and tries to compensate the emotions, thrills and drama with high voltage gun fights and production value.
It is evident that makers have received good funding but they chose to spend lavishly on cars only. At times it looks ridiculous and agents travel with such big convoy of cars.
Dear Raj & DK, we have high expectations from you. Pls don't do these stupid projects.
What's works: Action, Cinematography, Production quality, BGM What doesn't: Script, Story, Acting, Direction etc.
- ravishbharti
- Nov 10, 2024
- Permalink
Honest Review:
Another brilliant piece of work by Raj & DK!
The Good Stuff:
1. The story isn't entirely new, but the way it's executed is just wow! The two timelines running side by side keep you hooked. At times, it feels like you're watching two completely different stories, and yet they connect so beautifully.
2. The casting is absolutely spot-on. Varun Dhawan and Samantha have done a great job-you can really see their effort. But honestly, two people completely stole the show: Kay Kay Menon as the agency head and Kashvi Majmundar as little Nadia. And let's not forget Shivankit Singh Parihar as Chacko-he's known for comedy, but here he surprises with his action scenes and serious moments. He was amazing! Hoping to see him more in such roles. Also, Saqib Saleem deserves a shoutout-he nailed it as the bad guy! His character had such intensity, and he delivered it perfectly.
3. The one-take climax action scene. Oh my god! It's one of the best action sequences I've seen in a while. Whether they used some smart editing or not, it looks seamless. The choreography is top-notch and keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
1. Saqib Saleem is completely missing from the trailer and promotions, which is so unfair. His character is one of the strongest in the series, and he definitely deserved more attention.
2. The chemistry between Varun and Samantha feels undercooked. Their love story isn't explored enough, so their bond feels weak-it doesn't seem like they'd go to any extent for each other.
3. Samantha's childhood story feels rushed. The series doesn't explain well why she hates her father so much, which leaves a big gap in her character arc.
4. The 1992 Bollywood movie industry backdrop could have been so much fun to explore, but it's barely touched upon. They show just a couple of scenes, and that's it. Considering this is a 7-episode series, there was definitely time to dive deeper into these aspects without affecting the main story.
A Small Theory: I heard this series is a prequel to 2023's Citadel (not confirmed). Priyanka Chopra's character in Citadel is also named Nadia, the same as the little girl in this series. Plus, this series shows the beginnings of the Citadel organization. I'm definitely going to watch Citadel now to see if this theory holds up!
Final Words: If you're a fan of spy thrillers, this series is for you! It's got great action scenes, a gripping story, and stellar performances. Totally worth a watch!
Another brilliant piece of work by Raj & DK!
The Good Stuff:
1. The story isn't entirely new, but the way it's executed is just wow! The two timelines running side by side keep you hooked. At times, it feels like you're watching two completely different stories, and yet they connect so beautifully.
2. The casting is absolutely spot-on. Varun Dhawan and Samantha have done a great job-you can really see their effort. But honestly, two people completely stole the show: Kay Kay Menon as the agency head and Kashvi Majmundar as little Nadia. And let's not forget Shivankit Singh Parihar as Chacko-he's known for comedy, but here he surprises with his action scenes and serious moments. He was amazing! Hoping to see him more in such roles. Also, Saqib Saleem deserves a shoutout-he nailed it as the bad guy! His character had such intensity, and he delivered it perfectly.
3. The one-take climax action scene. Oh my god! It's one of the best action sequences I've seen in a while. Whether they used some smart editing or not, it looks seamless. The choreography is top-notch and keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
1. Saqib Saleem is completely missing from the trailer and promotions, which is so unfair. His character is one of the strongest in the series, and he definitely deserved more attention.
2. The chemistry between Varun and Samantha feels undercooked. Their love story isn't explored enough, so their bond feels weak-it doesn't seem like they'd go to any extent for each other.
3. Samantha's childhood story feels rushed. The series doesn't explain well why she hates her father so much, which leaves a big gap in her character arc.
4. The 1992 Bollywood movie industry backdrop could have been so much fun to explore, but it's barely touched upon. They show just a couple of scenes, and that's it. Considering this is a 7-episode series, there was definitely time to dive deeper into these aspects without affecting the main story.
A Small Theory: I heard this series is a prequel to 2023's Citadel (not confirmed). Priyanka Chopra's character in Citadel is also named Nadia, the same as the little girl in this series. Plus, this series shows the beginnings of the Citadel organization. I'm definitely going to watch Citadel now to see if this theory holds up!
Final Words: If you're a fan of spy thrillers, this series is for you! It's got great action scenes, a gripping story, and stellar performances. Totally worth a watch!
- freakingfilmy
- Jan 4, 2025
- Permalink
"Citadel Honey Bunny" is a refreshing addition to the Indian action-thriller genre, showcasing some of the best action sequences seen in Indian entertainment. The show manages to set itself apart by combining Hollywood-level production quality with a storyline rooted in Indian sensibilities. It's not perfect, but it's undoubtedly an entertaining watch.
One of the standout elements of Citadel Honey Bunny is its action choreography. Rarely do we see such high-quality, well-shot action in Indian shows. The sequences are crisp, intense, and visually engaging, making it a treat for fans of the genre. For Indian standards, this is a significant leap forward in terms of technical finesse and execution. From hand-to-hand combat to high-octane chases, the show delivers adrenaline-pumping moments that keep you hooked.
The performances are another highlight. The female lead deserves special mention for her portrayal of a determined and resourceful character. She brings depth and strength to her role, making her not just a sidekick but an equal partner in the narrative. The male actor complements her well, adding charisma and grit to his performance. Together, they share a compelling chemistry that drives the show forward.
The creators have done a commendable job maintaining a serious tone throughout the series. Unlike many action-dramas that fall into the trap of over-the-top humor or melodrama, Citadel Honey Bunny sticks to its storyline, keeping the stakes high and the audience invested. The narrative is intriguing, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. There's a sense of purpose in the way the story unfolds, which is a refreshing change from formulaic storytelling.
However, the show isn't without its flaws. Despite its strengths, there are moments where it falters. The pacing can be inconsistent, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary. While the storyline is engaging, there are times when it feels a bit disjointed, as if trying to juggle too many subplots at once. This can be distracting and takes away from the overall immersion.
Additionally, while the production quality is commendable, some aspects of the show feel derivative. There's a sense that it borrows heavily from other popular international series, which might make it feel less original to seasoned viewers of the genre.
That said, Citadel Honey Bunny is a significant step forward for Indian action-thrillers. It proves that Indian creators can deliver content that competes on a global stage while retaining a unique cultural flavor. The show has its heart in the right place, and despite its shortcomings, it manages to leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Citadel Honey Bunny is a show that deserves to be watched, especially for its stellar action sequences and strong performances. While it has room for improvement in terms of pacing and originality, it's an overall solid offering that sets a new benchmark for Indian action-thrillers. If you're a fan of high-stakes drama and well-executed action, this is a series you shouldn't miss.
One of the standout elements of Citadel Honey Bunny is its action choreography. Rarely do we see such high-quality, well-shot action in Indian shows. The sequences are crisp, intense, and visually engaging, making it a treat for fans of the genre. For Indian standards, this is a significant leap forward in terms of technical finesse and execution. From hand-to-hand combat to high-octane chases, the show delivers adrenaline-pumping moments that keep you hooked.
The performances are another highlight. The female lead deserves special mention for her portrayal of a determined and resourceful character. She brings depth and strength to her role, making her not just a sidekick but an equal partner in the narrative. The male actor complements her well, adding charisma and grit to his performance. Together, they share a compelling chemistry that drives the show forward.
The creators have done a commendable job maintaining a serious tone throughout the series. Unlike many action-dramas that fall into the trap of over-the-top humor or melodrama, Citadel Honey Bunny sticks to its storyline, keeping the stakes high and the audience invested. The narrative is intriguing, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. There's a sense of purpose in the way the story unfolds, which is a refreshing change from formulaic storytelling.
However, the show isn't without its flaws. Despite its strengths, there are moments where it falters. The pacing can be inconsistent, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary. While the storyline is engaging, there are times when it feels a bit disjointed, as if trying to juggle too many subplots at once. This can be distracting and takes away from the overall immersion.
Additionally, while the production quality is commendable, some aspects of the show feel derivative. There's a sense that it borrows heavily from other popular international series, which might make it feel less original to seasoned viewers of the genre.
That said, Citadel Honey Bunny is a significant step forward for Indian action-thrillers. It proves that Indian creators can deliver content that competes on a global stage while retaining a unique cultural flavor. The show has its heart in the right place, and despite its shortcomings, it manages to leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Citadel Honey Bunny is a show that deserves to be watched, especially for its stellar action sequences and strong performances. While it has room for improvement in terms of pacing and originality, it's an overall solid offering that sets a new benchmark for Indian action-thrillers. If you're a fan of high-stakes drama and well-executed action, this is a series you shouldn't miss.
- Dhanraj_16
- Dec 30, 2024
- Permalink