Housefull 5 (2025) Movie – HDHub4u
Housefull 5 marks the return of Bollywood’s biggest comedy franchise after six years. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, this fifth installment introduces something never seen before in Indian cinema. The film features Akshay Kumar, Riteish, and Abhishek leading an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Shroff, Nana, Fernandez, and Johnny.
| Film Name: | Housefull 5 |
| Directed By: | Tarun Mansukhani |
| Featured Cast: | Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan |
| Lead Star: | Akshay Kumar |
| Duration: | 2h 43m |
| Category: | Crime, Comedy, Mystery |
| Launch Date: | 5 Jun 2025 |
| Studio: | Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Pen Studios |
| Score: | 7/10 |
What makes this film special is its dual ending format. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala created two versions – Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B – each with different killers and climaxes. Different theaters show different endings, creating a unique experience for viewers.
Housefull 5 Cast Details
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Chunky Pandey | Aakhri Pasta |
| Shreyas Talpade | |
| Abhishek Bachchan | Jalbhushan/Jolly No. 2 |
| Chitrangda Singh | |
| Nargis Fakhri | |
| Ritesh Deshmukh | Jalabuddin/Jolly No. 1 |
| Akshay Kumar | Julius/Jolly No. 3 |
| Sanjay Dutt | |
| Sonam Bajwa | |
| Jacqueline Fernandez |
Plot and Setting
The story takes place on a luxury cruise ship where a billionaire mysteriously dies. This triggers chaos as three imposters claiming to be his heir compete for his fortune. Akshay Kumar’s character teams up with fellow passengers to solve the murder mystery while dealing with typical Housefull-style confusion and comedy.
The cruise ship setting provides a fresh backdrop for the franchise. The story maintains the series’ trademark mistaken identities and situational comedy while adding thriller elements.
Cast Performance
Akshay Kumar delivers exactly what fans expect from him in the Housefull series. His comic timing remains sharp and he handles both comedy and thriller moments well. Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan bring their proven chemistry, understanding their roles perfectly within the ensemble.
Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff play police officers investigating the murder. While their presence adds weight to the story, their roles serve mainly to advance the plot. Nana Patekar brings his unique intensity, while Johnny Lever and Chunky Panday deliver the slapstick humor fans love.
The female cast including Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, and Sonam Bajwa provide glamour and comic moments, though the script focuses more on the male ensemble.
Direction and Production
Tarun Mansukhani keeps the pace high and energy consistent throughout. The cruise ship filming lasted 40 days, sailing from Newcastle to Spain and back, adding authenticity to the maritime setting. With a production budget of ₹225 crore, this is potentially the most expensive Indian comedy ever made.
The film’s scale shows on screen. V. Manikandan’s cinematography captures the grandeur of the cruise while maintaining the intimacy needed for comedy sequences.
My Take on the Film
I found Housefull 5 to be solid entertainment that knows exactly what it wants to be. The dual ending concept is genuinely innovative for Bollywood, even if the execution isn’t perfect. When I watched it, the first half moved at a good pace, setting up the mystery while delivering laughs.
The ensemble cast works well together, though with so many characters, some get lost. I appreciated how the film balances comedy with thriller elements, even if it doesn’t master either genre completely.
The cruise ship setting feels fresh for the franchise. It provides both visual appeal and a practical backdrop for the murder mystery elements.
What Works
The dual ending format is genuinely innovative and adds replay value. The production scale creates a visually appealing experience that feels premium. Established chemistry between returning cast members, especially Akshay and Riteish, keeps the energy flowing.
The film maintains the franchise’s signature comedy style that appeals to its core audience. The cruise ship setting provides a fresh environment that distinguishes it from previous installments.
What Could Be Better
With such a large cast, many characters feel underdeveloped. The 2.5-hour runtime feels excessive for a comedy, with some sequences dragging despite generally good pacing.
The murder mystery elements, while adding intrigue, sometimes feel secondary to the comedy. The dual ending format, though innovative, raises questions about whether both versions feel equally satisfying.
Music and Entertainment
The soundtrack by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Tanishk Bagchi, and others serves the film well. Songs like “Laal Pari” and “Qayamat” complement the cruise ship setting. Julius Packiam’s background score effectively supports both comedy and thriller moments.
Box Office Performance
Housefull 5 earned ₹4.38 crore in advance bookings and is expected to collect over 20 crores on opening day. Released across 7,000+ screens worldwide, it’s Akshay Kumar’s widest release as a lead actor.
The film needs strong performance to justify its ₹240 crore total cost. Previous installment Housefull 4 grossed over ₹200 crores in India, setting high expectations.
Critical Reception
Early reviews are mixed but generally positive. FlickOnClick gave it 3/5 stars, calling it “solid entertainment.” Critics praise the film’s ambition and production values while questioning some execution choices.
Audience reactions suggest people enjoyed the first half, with the dual ending format creating curiosity for multiple viewings.
Final Verdict
Housefull 5 succeeds as competent franchise entertainment while introducing genuine innovation to Indian cinema. The dual ending concept alone makes it noteworthy, even if execution doesn’t always match ambition.
For franchise fans, it delivers expected entertainment with enhanced production values. The thriller subplot adds interesting variety, though character development suffers due to the large ensemble.
I recommend Housefull 5 for those seeking light-hearted entertainment and fans curious about the experimental dual ending approach. It’s best experienced in theaters where the cruise ship setting and ensemble performances can be fully appreciated.
Rating
3/5 Stars – Solid entertainment that delivers on promises without exceeding expectations.
The film works when it embraces its strengths but struggles with pacing and character development. Still, it’s worth watching for the innovative format and franchise entertainment value.