The idea of making a film on the sets of another film sounds ridiculous but Honey Bee 2.5 pulls it off very well. Debutante Askar Ali plays an innocent, wannabe actor who finds himself on the sets of Honey Bee 2 (2017) which released earlier this year. As an audience, you feel for him as despite being without talent, the character is determined and unlucky. You root for him as he goes hopping from set to another and eventually holds on to a twinkle of possibility, also finding love on the way. A textbook story of wannabe actors, Honey Bee 2.5 works because watching actors of the other film fool around on the sets is a refreshing experience. Now, this will only work if you have watched the said film. Depending on another film is high risk, but director Shyju Anthikkad manages to wrap it off with some good bits. Both Ali and Lijo Mol Jose need to amp up their acting if they need to stay, and their abysmal performance was the biggest issue I had here. Honey Bee 2.5 is a sweet little film that has its heart at the right place but don't take it too seriously. TN.
