Director

Raj Nidimoru

recently praised the performances of

Varun Dhawan

and

Samantha Ruth Prabhu

in their upcoming series,

Citadel: Honey Bunny

, highlighting their commitment to performing their own

stunts

.
This decision was not just a creative choice but also a significant challenge, as both actors were required to execute complex

action sequences

without the aid of stunt doubles.

Nidimoru expressed enthusiasm for working with such dedicated and enthusiastic actors, noting that their hidden talents in action were fully utilised in the series.
In an interview with PTI, Nidimoru explained that the action sequences were meticulously choreographed, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the performance. He stated, “This time we had really good action, a hidden action talent in both of them that we actually put them on the line of fire.” This approach aimed to enhance the series’ realism and intensity, making the action feel more genuine and engaging for the audience.
Varun Dhawan, speaking at a media event, revealed that the creators of Citadel: Honey Bunny had set strict guidelines for him. He was instructed to focus solely on this project, which meant he could not take on any other films or brand endorsements during its production. This level of commitment reflects the high expectations surrounding the series, which is a part of the larger Citadel franchise that includes the successful global series starring

Priyanka Chopra

Jonas and

Richard Madden

.

Dhawan also shared his initial surprise at the production’s choice of filming locations. Contrary to his expectations of elaborate sets typical of a Prime Video show, the filming took place in the streets of Thane and Bhandup, areas in Mumbai. This decision was made to bring a sense of authenticity to the narrative, grounding the action in real-world settings that resonate with the audience.
The Badlapur actor recounted a humorous incident from the first day of shooting, where he was encouraged by his co-star Samantha to engage in a physical scene. He recalled Samantha playfully challenging him, saying, “Hit me, hit me,” which added a layer of excitement to their dynamic. He described the series as a “violent love story,” indicating that the action sequences are integral to the plot’s emotional depth.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu echoed Dhawan’s sentiments about their on-screen chemistry during action scenes. She described the experience of performing stunts with Dhawan as akin to filming a romantic song, emphasizing the synchronization they achieved. “It really felt like a dance,” she remarked, highlighting the unique blend of action and romance that characterizes their performances. Prabhu expressed her belief that their chemistry is evident in the action sequences, making them particularly special.
Having previously collaborated with Raj &

DK

on The Family Man season two, Prabhu expressed her hopes that Citadel: Honey Bunny would resonate with audiences in a similar way. She acknowledged the luck that came from her previous project and expressed her desire to continue exploring the action genre. “I feel action is a genre I’m completely interested in and I would like to do more,” she stated, emphasizing her enthusiasm for the role.
Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to premiere on November 7, 2024. The series is produced by D2R Films and Amazon MGM Studios, with executive production by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. The anticipation surrounding the series is palpable, as it promises to deliver a blend of thrilling action and heartfelt storytelling, set against the backdrop of the ’90s.