Askar Ali's debut movie is going to hit the screen this Friday !
- 16 Aug 2017
- Sunaya
- Features
Actor/Producer Asif Ali's brother Askar Ali's debut movie Honey Bee 2.5 is all set for the release. Here's a snippet of our conversation with Askar
what made you accept the offer of Honeybee 2.5 and could you explain a bit about your character?
Well, I was in Chennai, and I studied in Rajiv Menon's film school and worked as an Assistant Director in a few advertisements. I was more into making short films, but unfortunately, it didn't turn out well. Meanwhile, I got a call from Lal uncle's manager saying they have planned for a project titled Honeybee 2.5 to be directed by Shyju. And I found it very interesting and innovative as the story line is about a Cinema within a Cinema. Later on, I came to know that this movie will be shot alongside Honeybee 2. All the scenes had to be canned in one take which was a shocker, but the shooting went very well. My character's name is Vishnu in this movie, a wannabe actor who walks into the sets of Honey bee 2 in search of an opportunity to act.
Why Chennai and that too without seeking the assistance of your brother's help?
I had never revealed my acting interest to Ikka nor have I asked for his help to choose my career. I never wanted anybody to acknowledge me as Asif's brother when it comes to being introduced in the industry. I wanted to build my own empire that's what led me to Chennai. I admire the Tamil film industry. I also attempted to meet a few directors, but somehow it didn't work out well.
Could you share your experience with your co-actors and the shooting location?
I think I'm very lucky having worked with a team like Honey bee 2.5. Its a great team with a lot of seasoned actors. Well, I hung out with Liju mol throughout the project, rest everyone was Ikka's friends... So naturally, I was a little nervous and their main hobby was ragging us. But, it was really fun to work with them.
Tell us about your experience with Liju Mol?
Liju Mol is a very talented young actress, who has already done a few movies. She was a good friend of mine and is very supportive.
Talking about your brother Asif Ali who started his career in the film industry with well-known directors like Shyamprasad, Sibi Malayil and Sathyan Anthikadu. But you chose a different path. Why?
(Laughing) Till date, I never got any offers from big directors, neither did I seek any. As I said I never wanted people to acknowledge me as Asif Ali's brother anywhere.
Did you receive any offer before Honey Bee 2.5?
Yes. I used to get offers earlier, but at that time movies were not my priority, I was busy concentrating on my studies those days.
We came to know about your 2nd movie 'Chemparathi Poovu' directed by Arun Vaiga. Can you explain about your 2nd movie and what kind of a character will you be playing in that movie?
Honey Bee 2.5 and Chemparathi Poovu's offer came together actually. I was a bit confused. I thought of signing another movie only after Honey Bee2.5. But ikka asked me to take a look at the plot and if the plot was okay with me, then I can go ahead and work on it. That's how Chemparathi Poovu happened. It is a complete love story. I can easily relate the character with myself. The movie is all about an individual's life from his schooling till he gets married. Aditi Ravi(Alamara fame), Parvathy (new comer) are playing the female leads.
Honey Bee 2 didn't reach its level of expectation. So do you have any such fears about Honey Bee 2.5?
I was actually cool about it but slowly I'm having that fear because everybody is asking me the same question about Honey Bee 2.5. But let me tell you Honey Bee 2.5 is a different plot it has nothing to do with Honey Bee 2.
Which is your favourite character of Asif Ali? He has done a lot of movies as hero, villain and supporting actor. So, what kind of characters do you prefer?
I loved his performance in 'Violin', which is directed by Sibi Malayil. It was this movie which gave him a lot of performance scope in his initial phase in the Malayalam movie industry and he gave his 100% effort to that character. For the second question, uh.. don't get me wrong brother (chuckles slightly), I would like to stick to hero roles in movies because I feel if you do a negative role, you may get tagged to such roles in the future as well.
What are your upcoming projects?
Offers are plenty. Let Honey Bee 2.5 release.
Words: Suhas KM Compiled by: Shilpa Ann Stanley Featured image source: Askar Ali
