Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., the acclaimed filmmakers behind hit shows like The Family Man, Farzi, and Guns & Gulaabs, are currently navigating a challenging phase in their career after a series of setbacks. While they’ve dominated the OTT scene with back-to-back successes, the duo’s latest ventures have encountered hurdles that have raised concerns.
Their most ambitious project, Citadel: Honey Bunny, a spy thriller backed by the Russo Brothers and starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, failed to live up to expectations. Despite heavy promotion and international collaborations, the show received poor reviews, leaving industry insiders wondering if it will be renewed for another season. Reports suggest that the high cost of production did not justify the response, and sources hint that the Indian version of Citadel may not return for another installment.
In an interview, Raj Nidimoru shared that the duo had to wait for stars’ dates in the early part of their careers, and now as producers, they have more control over their projects. They expressed a desire to push actors out of their comfort zones, as seen with their casting of Varun Dhawan in an action role for Citadel. However, this approach was met with criticism from some quarters.
The filmmakers are also dealing with another blow as reports of financial fraud have emerged regarding their upcoming show, Rakt Bramhand. The series, starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Wamiqa Gabi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Ali Fazal, has been rocked by a financial scam involving the executive producer, with losses amounting to Rs 2 crore. Netflix has launched an internal investigation into the matter, further complicating the future of the series.
Additionally, their show Gulkanda Tales, a period sex comedy for Prime Video, has faced issues with its content. Despite having an intriguing premise set in ancient India, the show has been criticized for its handling of sensitive themes like feminism and misogyny. After receiving feedback from Prime Video, the show went through multiple reshoots and re-edits, escalating the budget and leading to doubts about its release. The show’s future is now uncertain, with Prime Video reportedly not making any comments on its status. With a reported budget of Rs 120 crore, this project has become a significant concern for Raj and DK.
Despite these challenges, The Family Man Season 3, their tried-and-tested hit series starring Manoj Bajpayee, appears to be on track, offering some hope for the filmmakers as they continue to manage their OTT empire.
Trade experts suggest that Raj and DK have taken on more than they can handle with multiple high-profile projects, which may be affecting the quality of their recent releases. How they handle these setbacks will be crucial for their future in the competitive world of OTT content.
