Now Playing in Theatres (June 6, 2025)
The Housefull franchise returns with yet another dose of absurdity — this time aboard a luxury cruise ship with a murder mystery twist and two alternate endings (screened as “5A” and “5B”). But does this novelty keep the boat from capsizing? Let’s dive in.
Plot: More Hype Than Hook
Ailing billionaire Ranjeet Dobriyal dies aboard his cruise just before his 100th birthday, promising his £69 billion fortune to his son — “Jolly.” But here’s the catch: three men appear, all named Jolly — played by Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh. Suddenly, there’s a masked killer on board, police officers (played by Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff) arrive, and chaos follows. It’s a wild blend of whodunit and slapstick — if only the mystery had any bite.
Cast and Performances: Familiar Faces, Familiar Tone
- Akshay Kumar holds the fort with his signature brand of physical comedy and self-aware charm.
- Riteish Deshmukh delivers the most consistent laughs, owning every absurd moment.
- Abhishek Bachchan joins the madness with good timing, though his character lacks a proper arc.
- Chunky Pandey is back as Aakhri Pasta, still weird, still yelling, still weirdly watchable.
- Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, and Sonam Bajwa play the female leads, mostly limited to reaction shots and dance numbers.
- Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff bring their vintage swagger, but are clearly here for paycheck cameos.
No one’s trying to win an award here. They’re trying to win the audience over with sheer volume, and for some, it works.
Multiple Endings: Bold Move or Bonus Gimmick?
Let’s talk about that much-hyped twist: two versions of the film playing in theatres, each with a different ending. It’s a novel move for Bollywood, but the endings don’t drastically alter the story. Think of them as alternate punchlines, not alternate conclusions. The concept had promise but feels underdeveloped — more like a marketing tactic than real narrative depth.
Does It Work as a Murder Mystery? Not Really.
Despite the costumes, fog machines, and dramatic music stings, this isn’t a real whodunit. The mystery takes a backseat to gags, double roles, and slapstick confusion. If you came looking for Knives Out, you’ll get Naps Out — the thriller angle is more costume than core.
Audience Reaction: Divided But Loud
Franchise fans seem happy with the film’s chaotic tone and comic energy. Critics, on the other hand, are calling it noisy, bloated, and lazily written. As usual, Housefull lands exactly where it always does — polarizing the crowd and trending on Twitter.
Should You Watch It?
- Yes, if you’re a Housefull loyalist who enjoys ensemble chaos, goofy double-crosses, and brain-off comedy.
- No, if you expected innovation, strong plotting, or anything remotely close to suspense.
Verdict: Loud, Silly, and Occasionally Funny
Housefull 5 doesn’t reinvent the formula — it just puts it on a boat and adds a mask. It’s not clever. It’s not thrilling. But it’s aware of what it is: two hours of high-decibel madness with Akshay Kumar at the helm. Some audiences will ride the wave. Others will want to abandon ship.
Related Read
Want the backstory on how Housefull 5 brought this gimmick to life? Check out our preview coverage here.
