Filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. have been a powerhouse duo in India’s OTT space, delivering several acclaimed web series. Their rise began with The Family Man (2019) on Prime Video, starring Manoj Bajpayee, which became an instant hit and earned a successful second season. They followed this with Farzi (2023), marking Shahid Kapoor’s OTT debut, and Guns & Gulaabs on Netflix, featuring stars like Rajkummar Rao and Dulquer Salmaan, both of which received mixed reviews.
In 2024, the duo ventured into their most ambitious project yet, Citadel: Honey Bunny, an Indian adaptation of the Russo Brothers-backed spy thriller franchise. Starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the series was highly anticipated but fell flat with audiences, delivering a response far below expectations. Industry insiders suggest that due to the high production costs and lackluster reception, the Indian installment may not see a second season. Adding to their woes, financial irregularities have surfaced in the production of their upcoming Netflix project, Rakt Bramhand.
Starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Wamiqa Gabbi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Ali Fazal, the show is under investigation for mishandling funds worth Rs 2 crore. Netflix is reportedly conducting an internal and external inquiry, delaying the show’s release, which was originally slated to be part of Netflix’s slate announcement.
Another setback comes with Gulkanda Tales, a period sex comedy for Prime Video starring Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Kunal Kemmu. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, the series, which tackles themes like feminism and misogyny with humor, has undergone extensive re-shoots and edits, inflating its budget to Rs 120 crore. Despite being completed, reports suggest Prime Video is hesitant to release the show due to its controversial content, leaving its future uncertain. From production challenges to audience backlash, Raj & DK face a tough road ahead despite their earlier successes. Stay tuned for more only with us, if you have anything to share, do comment below.
