Housefull 5 (2025) Movie ft. Abhishek and Ritesh
Housefull 5 is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language comedy thriller film directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid. This fifth installment of the popular Housefull franchise brings together a massive star cast including Akshay, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen, Shreyas, Nana Patekar, and Jackie Shroff.
Plot and Storyline
The story centers around Ranjeet Dobriyal, UK’s seventh richest person celebrating his 100th birthday on his luxurious cruise ship. When he suddenly dies, his lawyer reveals that all his wealth goes to his son Jolly from his first wife. The twist? Three different men arrive claiming to be Jolly – Jalabuddin (Riteish Deshmukh), Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan), and Julius (Akshay Kumar).
The murder mystery element adds a new dimension to the franchise’s typical comedy formula. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala conceived this dual-ending concept 30 years ago, finally bringing it to life in this installment.
Cast Performance
Akshay Kumar once again leads with his signature comic timing and physical comedy skills. His chemistry with the franchise regulars remains intact, delivering the energy fans expect from the series.
Abhishek Bachchan delivers what many critics called a stunning performance. His natural comedic flair shines through as Jalbhushan, proving his versatility in ensemble comedy.
Riteish Deshmukh continues his reliable partnership with Akshay Kumar. Their comedic chemistry has been a franchise highlight since the beginning.
The supporting cast includes strong performances from Chitrangada Singh, who impressed with her corporate boss swag, and veteran actors Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff adding gravitas to their roles.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Tarun Mansukhani took on the challenging task of helming this massive production. The cast filmed on a cruise ship for 40 days, sailing from Newcastle to Spain, Normandy, and back to Plymouth. This extensive on-location shooting created an authentic maritime atmosphere.
The film was shot in multiple international locations and became one of the most expensive installments in the franchise. The production values are impressive, with elaborate sets and costumes enhancing the visual appeal.
The music features compositions by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Tanishk Bagchi, and others. Laal Pari emerged as the standout track, while other songs received mixed reception.
Critical Reception
I watched both versions of this film, and the critical response has been notably mixed. Bollywood Hungama gave it 3.5/5, calling it a paisa-vasool killer comedy that works due to performances and unpredictable climax.
Hindustan Times rated it 3/5, noting that the film struggles to maintain energy, relying too heavily on Akshay’s charm rather than strong material.
However, several critics were harsh. The Indian Express gave it just 1/5, while The Hindu called it sporadically funny and unapologetically corny.
My Review Perspective
Having watched the film, I can understand both sides of the critical divide. The franchise delivers what fans expect – slapstick humor, star chemistry, and mindless entertainment. The cruise ship setting provides impressive visuals that elevate the production quality.
However, I found the writing quality lacking in several areas. With 17 lead characters, the film struggles to give everyone meaningful screen time. The comedy timing felt off in many sequences, and several jokes didn’t land as intended.
The dual-ending concept is genuinely innovative and offers something fresh to the franchise formula. I appreciated this creative risk, even if the execution wasn’t perfect.
Box Office Performance
The film has been a commercial success despite mixed reviews. It earned ₹37.25 crore on opening day worldwide, making it the third-highest Bollywood opener of 2025.
First week collections reached ₹127 crore, with the film crossing the ₹100 crore milestone faster than any previous Housefull installment. Internationally, it grossed approximately USD 7.5-8 million.
With a budget of around ₹240-350 crore, the film has already recovered 52% of its investment within the first week, indicating strong commercial viability.
What Works
Star Power: The ensemble cast delivers committed performances with proven chemistry between lead actors.
Production Values: The cruise ship setting and international locations provide impressive visual appeal.
Franchise Appeal: For Housefull fans, the film delivers expected doses of familiar humor and character dynamics.
Innovation: The dual-ending format brings something new to the tested formula.
What Could Be Better
Script Quality: The weak storyline and plotting issues significantly impact the viewing experience.
Comedy Execution: Many jokes fall flat, with timing issues affecting the overall humor quotient.
Character Development: Too many characters result in narrative bloat without proper development.
Content Concerns: The film faced criticism for objectification of female characters.
Music: Apart from Laal Pari, the soundtrack lacks memorable tracks.
Popular Website Ratings
Bollywood Hungama: 3.5/5 Hindustan Times: 3/5
Firstpost: 2.5/5 The Indian Express: 1/5 IMDb User Rating: 3.8/10
Final Verdict
Housefull 5 represents both the strengths and limitations of franchise filmmaking. While it successfully delivered commercial returns and satisfied franchise loyalists, it struggled to win over critics seeking fresh content.
The film’s box office success demonstrates the enduring appeal of star-driven comedies in Indian cinema. However, the mixed critical reception suggests future installments need to balance familiar formulas with fresh creative approaches.
For audiences seeking mindless entertainment and familiar star chemistry, Housefull 5 delivers on expectations. Those looking for innovative comedy or strong storytelling may find it lacking in substance despite its commercial appeal.
The fastest ₹100 crore entry in franchise history proves the series remains commercially viable, though creative evolution may be necessary for sustained success.
