Raj and DK Share How the Russo Brothers Watched Stree Before Signing Them for Citadel: Honey Bunny
Raj and DK reveal the Russo Brothers watched Stree before choosing them for Citadel: Honey Bunny, set to release on Prime Video.
Raj and DK’s Journey to Citadel: Honey Bunny Begins with Stree
When globally renowned filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, known for their blockbuster Marvel films, considered who would lead the Indian spin-off of Citadel, they turned to the creators of the hit film Stree. Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, the duo behind this horror-comedy, were brought on board for the Indian version of Citadel, subtitled Honey Bunny.
The new series, starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, is set in the 90s and will premiere on Prime Video in November. It follows the story of the parents of Nadia, a character originally portrayed by Priyanka Chopra in the American version of Citadel.
Stree Left a Lasting Impression on the Russo Brothers
In an interview with Indianexpress.com, Raj and DK shared that the Russo Brothers watched Stree before approaching them for Citadel: Honey Bunny. The duo explained that the brothers had not only seen Stree, but also viewed an unreleased edit of The Family Man season one, another hit show from the same creators.
Raj reflected, “They had sampled our work. I think it’s good that the Russo Brothers wanted us to retain our voice and style, but we had to balance that with fitting into their universe.”
A Collaborative Vision for Citadel: Honey Bunny
Krishna DK explained that during their meeting with the Russo Brothers, it was clear that the intention was not to replicate the style of the original Citadel, but rather to infuse the Indian version with its own identity. The creators pitched their concept in Los Angeles, and from the beginning, there was enthusiasm about the idea of keeping the Indian leg distinct, while still rooted in the Citadel universe.
Krishna added, “This could have easily been an indigenous film, but we built on the character universe, keeping in mind the overarching story of Citadel.”
Staying True to Their Signature Style
Raj emphasized that their original work on projects like Stree, Shor in the City, and The Family Man has always been about blending humor with reality. That approach guided their creative choices for Citadel: Honey Bunny, allowing them to craft an action-packed story without relying heavily on futuristic technology.
“We decided to keep it raw and real,” Raj said. “We took out high-tech gadgets and holograms and stuck to basic tools like guns and fists. We wanted to showcase action in a way that felt grounded and relatable, with actors skilled in performing intense sequences.”
This fresh, unique take on the espionage thriller is what makes Citadel: Honey Bunny stand out, offering audiences a gripping story rooted in Indian storytelling traditions, but with a global appeal.
Also Read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Conquering Insecurities and Embracing Strength in ‘Citadel’