Raj & DK’s new show, Citadel: Honey Bunny has drama, emotions, real life setting and lots of action. The six-episode series is tailored to appeal to the tastes of the Indian audience, who would never mind watching a family man (pun intended) and a family woman trying to protect their young daughter. Directed by Samantha and Varun Dhawan, the Prime Video series is a perfect recipe for an exciting weekend watch. But, is it thrilling enough to keep you on the edge of your seat?

Citadel: Honey Bunny has his own idiosyncrasies. So are its characters. Villains aren’t really villains, and heroes aren’t really heroic. Everything is grey. He who cheats is cheated, and he who wins loses in an instant. But, you appreciate Rahi and Honey which leaves a lasting impression on your mind. After three episodes, you almost find yourself on his side.

The story moves back and forth from 1992 to 2000. Rahi (Bunny), a stuntman, and Honey, an aspiring actor from the 90s, are just friends, until a local mission joins hands with both of them to become a part of the film. Of a messed up foundation led by KK Menon’s Baba. His agenda is to destroy the Citadel and for Bunny, his words must always be followed without question or doubt. Why? Because like many popular Hindi movies of the 90s, when Bunny was orphaned, Baba sheltered him and raised him at Prem Niwas in Mumbai.

Things change when Bunny and Honey start falling in love with each other and the turning point comes when he comes to know about his daughter years later. The rowdy, misguided agent at that moment becomes a protective father, who can go to any extent and risk everything for the sake of his family.

Varun as Bunny has given the most mature performance of his career. His honesty is visible in every frame. This is probably the first time that a director hasn’t treated him like a showman in a film, didn’t just treat him like a macho crowd puller, or tried to impose his intensity on the screen. The bunny was looking perfect. Like a person who will not lose his patience even in adverse circumstances because he knows what is at stake. Varun’s performance looks controlled. As if he’s finally mastered the art of neither exploding on screen and making it all about himself, nor hiding what he really wants to express in a scene. It seems he has found the right balance as an actor in Citadel.

Samantha’s pairing with Varun looks good. Her weakness as a mother never overpowers the warrior within her and vice versa. She and Varun together make for an enjoyable watch. Their action scenes look consistent and alike. There is nothing strong about their chemistry or their action. Everything about them looks organic. Even their first kiss, which is brilliantly placed between scenes, doesn’t feel forced.

The makers may be aiming to make Citadel a fancy saga of spies on grand missions, with stunning exotic locations in the background, aided by the most stylish weapons available to them. But, they make it believable. At least as reliable as it can get. Although the first three episodes of approximately 45 minutes may seem slow, once you understand where the story is going, you feel invested.

However, the protagonist of the series remains the little girl – Kashvi Majmundar as Nadia. She challenges everyone around her to match her standard of performance. It’s amazing to think what kids can do these days. But, in The Citadel, when you see a seven-year-old girl running through rooftops, diving through poles, and making courageous choices for her family, you want to treat her an equal – Something that Honey also uses to describe her qualities to her father in one scene.

The world of Citadel is interesting but demands patience from you. It’s got hidden gems and strong action, but it seems it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. There are no luxurious cars being burned, expensive jets flying or huge buildings being demolished. The essence of the story is in place, and there are some twists and turns, but you have to give the series a chance.

Plus, even with its issues, you’ll probably like it better than the previous Citadel, which starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden.