Designing costumes for an action-packed series like Citadel: Honey Bunny is no ordinary feat—it’s a high-stakes blend of creativity, functionality, and storytelling. The costume designer- Ameira Punvani, behind the show doesn’t just dress the characters; she crafted a visual narrative that seamlessly married the grit of espionage with the allure of high fashion. From durable, tactical gear for heart-racing fight sequences to sleek, statement-making outfits for undercover missions, every piece must balance practicality with panache.
In this exclusive with Hauterrfly, we delve into the mind of the visionary costume designer Ameira Punvani who turned wardrobe into a weapon, shaping the style and essence of this thrilling saga.
Q. How was your experience designing clothes for an action series?
A. Designing costumes for an action film? Think of it like creating a couture workout outfit. You need it to be stylish enough to catch the eye, but tough enough to survive explosions, car chases, and epic fight scenes. So yeah, I wasn’t just picking fabrics. I was engineering the wardrobe equivalent of a superhero suit. Padding, harnesses, and stunt doubles? Absolutely. And let’s not forget multiple copies of each costume (because someone has to survive that stunt, right?). At the end of the day, it’s about balancing fashion with function—and let me tell you, when you see those action-packed scenes unfold, it’s all worth it. You’re watching a fashion miracle in motion.
Q. Usually in action films, it’s always tricky to play with fashion or get creative. What’s your take on it?
A. Action films are the land of no-frills fashion. It’s like designing clothes for a superhero but with no capes. The costumes need to work, not just look good. They have to let the actors stretch, jump, and throw punches without ripping them apart. So, I’m thinking: How do I make these clothes look fierce while withstanding a roundhouse kick? It’s about blending practicality and visual punch—think sleek, functional, and yet so cool, you’d want to wear it to a party. Getting creative isn’t just about glitz—it’s about the right kind of edge. That’s the challenge—and the fun!
Q. Since Citadel: Honey Bunny includes action scenes, did you have to modify Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s costumes for stunts or physical sequences? How did you balance style and practicality?
A. Oh, you bet! When it came to Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s costumes for the action scenes, I had to balance style with stunt-ready practicality. For the action scenes, we needed costumes that allowed her to move like a ninja—without losing her fierceness. For the final fight, she wore a sleeveless bodysuit that showed off her arms, which added so much power to the action. Watching her throw punches in that outfit? Mind-blowing. She’s got this quiet strength that makes her look even more badass when she’s pulling off stunts. And the best part? She was so on board with it. She trusted the look and made it her own. The result? She didn’t just wear the costume—she owned it.
Q. In the American version of the series, Priyanka Chopra’s character wears this classic red dress which kind of became iconic to the role, did you feel the need to give Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s role that same iconic look?
A. Look, at Priyanka Chopra’s red dress. Iconic. But Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s character? Different vibe. While Priyanka’s red dress was all about bold, statement-making, Samantha’s style was crafted to evolve with the character’s arc. We didn’t need just one iconic look – her wardrobe was a whole journey. Whether she’s in floral tees or sleek bodysuits, each costume tells a piece of her story. Samantha’s character has multiple iconic moments, not one singular look—and I loved that. Different stories, different vibes and they all hit the mark.
Also Read: Citadel Honey Bunny Premiere: From Samantha Ruth Prabhu To Nimrit Kaur, Here’s Who Wore What!