Housefull5:Review
Housefull 5: A Deep Dive into Bollywood's Most Ambitious Comedy-Thriller
The "Housefull" franchise has become synonymous with slapstick humor, chaotic plots, and an ensemble cast that promises a laughter riot. With "Housefull 5," producer Sajid Nadiadwala aims to elevate the game, venturing into a comedy-thriller genre with an unprecedented twist: multiple endings. As the film hits cinemas on June 6, 2025, let's break down what makes this installment a highly anticipated cinematic event.
The Plot: A Murder Mystery at Sea with a Unique Spin
"Housefull 5" takes the familiar formula of the franchise and injects it with a thrilling murder mystery element. The story unfolds on a lavish cruise ship where a billionaire is found dead. This immediately throws everyone on board into a web of suspicion, especially as three individuals claim to be the rightful heirs to the deceased's vast fortune, all coincidentally named "Jolly."
What begins as a hilarious inheritance drama quickly escalates into a whodunit. The trailer teases a blend of the signature "Housefull" chaos with suspense, as the group of clueless friends tries to unravel the killer's identity. The central intrigue, however, lies in the unique narrative approach confirmed by producer Sajid Nadiadwala: the film will feature multiple climaxes. This means different theaters will screen different endings, with each version revealing a distinct killer. This innovative concept, reportedly conceptualized by Nadiadwala over 30 years, aims to keep audiences guessing and talking long after they leave the cinema.
The film's setting on a luxury cruise ship, sailing across picturesque locations like London, France, and Spain, adds to the visual grandeur and allows for a fresh backdrop for the usual comedic mayhem. Reports suggest some characters even impersonate police officers in their pursuit of the truth, promising further comedic situations.
The Star-Studded Cast: A Grand Reunion of Comedic Talent
One of the biggest draws of the "Housefull" franchise has always been its expansive ensemble cast, and "Housefull 5" takes this to an unprecedented level. Touted as India's most expensive comedy film with a budget of ₹225 crore (excluding print and advertisement costs), it boasts an impressive roster of 19 acclaimed actors.
Leading the charge are the franchise regulars:
Akshay Kumar as Julius "Jolly 3"
Riteish Deshmukh as Jalabuddin "Jolly 1"
Abhishek Bachchan as Jalbhushan "Jolly 2"
Jacqueline Fernandez (as Jalbhushan's wife)
Sonam Bajwa (as Jalabuddin's wife)
Nargis Fakhri (as Julius's wife)
Chunky Panday as Aakhri Pasta (reprising his iconic character)
Johnny Lever as Batuk Patel
Fardeen Khan (reportedly as a ship manager)
Dino Morea
Shreyas Talpade
Adding new dimensions and gravitas to the ensemble are:
Sanjay Dutt (reportedly as a police officer)
Jackie Shroff (reportedly as a police officer, with a cheeky nod to his son Tiger Shroff's famous line)
Nana Patekar
Chitrangda Singh
Soundarya Sharma
Nikitin Dheer
Ranjeet
The sheer number of prominent actors presented a significant challenge for the director, Tarun Mansukhani, who reportedly ensured that each character was well-developed and had ample opportunity to shine on screen.
The Director: Tarun Mansukhani at the Helm
For "Housefull 5," the directorial reins have been handed to Tarun Mansukhani. Known for his previous works like "Dostana" and "Drive," Mansukhani steps into the world of multi-starrer comedies for the first time on such a grand scale.
Directing a film with 19 prominent actors, coupled with the logistical complexities of shooting on a cruise ship, proved to be a demanding task. Mansukhani reportedly faced challenges like memorizing the ship's layout, maintaining balance during filming due to the ship's movement, and even dealing with a stormy weather incident that halted shooting for safety concerns. His approach to casting involved ensuring that even big stars were offered roles only if their characters were well-defined in the script.
The Production House: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
The "Housefull" franchise has been a consistent venture of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, led by the seasoned producer Sajid Nadiadwala. This production house has a strong track record of delivering commercial entertainers and has been instrumental in shaping the "Housefull" series since its inception.
Sajid Nadiadwala is credited not only as the producer but also as the mind behind the story and screenplay of "Housefull 5," particularly the innovative concept of multiple climaxes. His commitment to creating a unique cinematic experience, even if it means trying something unheard of in mainstream Hindi cinema, underscores the ambition behind this installment.
Early Buzz and Expectations
With "Housefull 5" being India's most expensive comedy film and introducing the never-before-seen concept of multiple endings, the film has generated considerable buzz. Early reviews, reportedly from censor screenings, have been mixed. Some initial reactions from actor-model Kuldeep Gadhavi suggest the film is a "mix of humour, suspense, thrill and some impressive twists," with the first half being "sheer comedy" and the second half building "suspense and thriller." Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan's performances have been specifically lauded in these early reports.
However, film critic Umair Sandhu offered a starkly different perspective, calling it "one of the Worst Comedy ever made in India" with "boring comedy and cringe performances." He rated it 1 out of 5 stars, urging viewers to save their money.
These contrasting early reviews highlight the subjective nature of comedy and the varied expectations from a franchise like "Housefull." The unprecedented decision to have different killers in different screenings is a bold gamble that could either be a game-changer for Indian cinema or a point of confusion for audiences.
Despite the divided early opinions, the film's advance bookings have been strong in certain regions, indicating a significant level of interest. The film is set to clash with Kamal Haasan's highly anticipated "Thug Life," which will further test its box office mettle.
Conclusion
"Housefull 5" is undeniably one of the most talked-about Hindi films of 2025. With its sprawling cast, a shift towards a comedy-thriller genre, and the groundbreaking concept of multiple endings, it aims to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience. Whether it successfully navigates the fine line between chaotic comedy and gripping suspense, and whether its unique narrative structure resonates with audiences, remains to be seen. As the film opens to the public, the true verdict on its success will emerge, defining the next chapter for this popular franchise.
Fantastic
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