Anupama Chopra sits down with the cast and creators of "Citadel: Honey Bunny", the latest spin-off in Amazon Prime Video's ambitious global spy franchise. This Indian installment, helmed by acclaimed directors Raj & DK, serves as both a prequel and sequel to the original Citadel series, exploring the origins of Priyanka Chopra Jonas' character Nadia.
In this lively discussion, Anupama delves into the show's unique blend of action, romance, and family drama with stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who play secret agents Bunny and Honey. The conversation touches on the challenges of crafting a series that spans two timelines - 1992 and 2000 - and how it connects to the larger Citadel universe.
Creators Raj & DK and writer Sita Menon share insights into their creative process, discussing how they balanced the demands of a global franchise with their signature style. The group explores the show's impressive action sequences, shot across Mumbai, Nainital, Bucharest, and Belgrade, and how they aimed to elevate the spy genre with a distinctly Indian flavor.
Anupama probes the cast about their preparation for their roles, with Varun and Samantha detailing their intensive training for the physically demanding parts. The interview also touches on the series' themes of identity, loyalty, and the personal costs of a life in espionage.
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Welcoming the team of "Citadel: Honey Bunny"
01:57 Discussing the unique title and its inspiration
04:58 Blend of drama, action, and humor
07:13 Casting choices: Varun as Bunny and Samantha as Honey
11:54 Samantha's initial hesitation and the team's support
15:24 Varun recounts moments showcasing Samantha's dedication on set
20:03 Sita Menon discusses her longstanding collaboration with Raj & DK
22:30 Writing Hindi dialogues and early career anecdotes
25:09 Team dynamics and managing creative disagreements
26:38 Samantha on adapting to Raj & DK's intense shooting schedule
30:43 Varun on his work ethic influenced by his filmmaker father
32:00 Exploring flawed characters and their appeal in Raj & DK's works
34:00 Philosophy behind creating relatable, imperfect protagonists
36:52 Performing intense action sequences and handling physical challenges
39:12 Behind-the-scenes stories of action scenes and actor commitment
44:04 Origins of "Citadel: Honey Bunny"
45:25 Managing creative input from high-profile collaborators
47:47 Varun appreciates the production team's dedication and support
48:28 Audience Q&A session begins
49:43 Fans perform "Honey Bunny" song for the actors
50:28 Question on adjusting performance styles between different genres
54:48 Fan asks Varun about personal connections to his character
57:45 Aspiring filmmakers seek advice on writing impactful action sequences
1:01:18 Question to Samantha about the switch in roles
1:03:39 Closing remarks and expressions of gratitude from the team
#CitadelHoneyBunny #VarunDhawan #SamanthaRuthPrabhu
