Citadel: Honey Bunny premieres on November 7, exclusively on Prime Video in the UK and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Excepts from a QnA with Varun Dhawan
Can you outline your role as Bunny in Citadel: Honey Bunny?
Rahi ‘Bunny’ Gambhir is an elite espionage agent who moonlights as a film stuntman. He is a highly charismatic, debonair, and audacious undercover agent who executes imperative missions with mind-blowing action-thrills and stunts. Bunny is inspired to put his skills to good use.
You have appeared in a lot of films. What convinced you to choose Citadel: Honey Bunny as your first series?
Citadel: Honey Bunny was the first time a global series showcased connected stories originating outside of the US and from across the globe. The overarching concept in itself was super fascinating. The expansive new world coupled with the pedigree of the filmmakers involved in the Indian series, Raj & DK, and their genius in being able to orchestrate a blend of gritty spy thriller and character nuances, made it an irresistible opportunity.
How is the role of Bunny different from any other action hero you have portrayed before?
Bunny stands out as a character because of his dual identity as both a spy and a stuntman. His charming yet mysterious persona adds a dynamic layer. He is essentially a child, seeking love from his father, seeking a family. Bunny’s innocence, motives, and surprising plot twists make him a truly intriguing character to portray on screen.
How does your character fit into the overall world of Citadel?
Through the first-to-launch global series Citadel, we were introduced to the world of Citadel, a network of hidden, long-standing connections between characters. Bunny, also known as Rahi Gambhir, is first introduced in the global series as Nadia Sinh’s father, whom she contacts during a moment of vulnerability. In the Indian series, we explore his journey as an undercover agent who becomes a key figure in the fate of the independent agency Citadel, alongside his partner Honey.
What was your reaction when you heard that you would play Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s father, albeit in a different timeline?
Bunny’s relationship with Nadia unfolds in unexpected ways as we journey through Rahi and Honey’s story set in the ‘90s and early 2000s. Priyanka’s world is set much later, when Nadia herself has become a top-notch spy. I never imagined I would be playing Priyanka’s father someday. It’s truly commendable how both shows are seamlessly woven together, integrating both storylines into the larger world of Citadel.
How was this different from working on a film?
Working on Citadel: Honey Bunny was an incredibly gratifying experience that allowed me to delve deeper into a character than ever before. While the day-to-day work on set was familiar, it felt like shooting a six-hour film, which was a first for me. The expansive world-building, high-octane action, and the creators’ incredible vision made this series a massive learning experience.
Can you tell us about your period look for this series?
The ‘90s era in the series required my character to embody bold and distinctive styling choices. The creative team worked precisely to craft Bunny’s signature look, from his hairstyle to his wardrobe, capturing the essence of the era with a modern twist.
Did you undergo any special training for the series?
To meet the physical demands of a spy and a stuntman, I underwent rigorous training and preparation for my role. From mastering choreographed fight sequences to honing my stunt skills, the training regimen was intense yet exciting. This preparation significantly enhanced my portrayal of Bunny’s action-packed world.
Did you draw inspiration from any popular fictional spies?
The spies in Citadel are not lone soldiers and therefore have bigger and more layered and personal consequences. So we had no reference points as such. This was also the case because the series is locally created, produced, and filmed in-region to produce a distinct local flavor yet on a global scale. So the characteristics of Bunny had to be unique to his circumstances and the world that he comes from.
How was your dynamic with Samantha?
Sam showed immense dedication towards her work. There was such an untamed approach to whatever she was doing and so much gusto and power. We became friends. She’s a fighter. She keeps fighting against the odds, and she’ll do anything to protect what’s hers. That’s exactly how Honey is, especially for Nadia.
How would you describe Bunny in one word?
Charismatic.
