Honey Movie Review: An Occult Drama with Compelling Ideas but Inconsistent Delivery
Released on February 6, 2026, the Telugu film Honey blends drama and horror to explore the psychological impact of superstition on a vulnerable family. Directed by Karuna Kumar, the movie features Naveen Chandra, Divya Pillai, Divi Vadthya, Raja Ravindra, and Baby Jayanni in pivotal roles. With a critic's rating of 2.5 out of 5 and a matching user rating, Honey presents a narrative that is strong in intent but falters in execution.
A Descent into Fear and Obsession
The film opens with Anand, portrayed by Naveen Chandra, as an ordinary man grappling with severe financial strain. This everyday vulnerability sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how desperation can erode reason. Set in tribal and rural environments where superstition is a lived reality, Honey depicts Anand's gradual slide into occult rituals. What begins as a search for solace quickly transforms into a consuming obsession, threatening the stability of his entire household.
Atmospheric Storytelling and Strong Performances
Karuna Kumar effectively builds an eerie mood through thoughtful cinematography and an authentic rural backdrop. The background score enhances the tension without overpowering the narrative, allowing dread to accumulate naturally rather than relying on cheap jump scares. Naveen Chandra delivers a committed performance, capturing Anand's anxiety and fixation with convincing subtlety. Divya Pillai shines as Lalitha, Anand's wife, bringing emotional depth and resilience to her role, especially in scenes where helplessness and anger intersect.
Narrative Strengths and Shortcomings
The film's most compelling segment lies in its portrayal of a family's emotional unraveling. As Anand's paranoia deepens, his wife Lalitha and young daughter Meera, played by Baby Jayanni, are drawn into a growing atmosphere of unease. This slow-burn transformation highlights the domestic toll of one man's psychological collapse. However, Honey struggles to maintain its initial momentum. The second half feels stretched, with predictable plot developments and a conclusion that lacks the sharpness promised by the premise. While the ideas remain engaging, the execution fails to deliver a fully satisfying psychological payoff.
Final Verdict
Honey is worth watching for its atmospheric visuals, strong performances, and exploration of psychological horror rooted in superstition and family conflict. However, viewers should be prepared for a narrative that loses steam in its later stages, resulting in an uneven but thought-provoking cinematic experience.
