Housefull 5 Movie Review: Comedy Meets Chaos in Bollywood Boldest Multi-Starrer Yet

The fifth installment of the Housefull franchise has finally hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Titled Housefull 5, the film continues its legacy of laugh-out-loud comedy, this time adding a murder mystery twist. But does the film live up to the high expectations set by its trailer and massive star cast? Let’s find out.

Plot Overview: A Cruise, a Death, and Three Jollys

Housefull 5 opens with a lavish cruise party thrown by Ranjit on his 100th birthday. But the celebration takes a grim turn when Ranjit suddenly dies. Through a holographic will, Ranjit tells his stepson Dev (Fardeen Khan) that his £69 billion estate should go to his rightful heir – someone named Jolly.

Here’s the twist: three men (played by Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan) arrive, all claiming to be Jolly, each accompanied by their glamorous wives (Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, Jacqueline Fernandez). Just when things couldn’t get more chaotic, a murder takes place, and now, all three Jollys become prime suspects.

What follows is a blend of madcap comedy and a whodunit mystery, taking viewers on a wild ride full of twists, one-liners, and nostalgic throwbacks to previous Housefull films.

Comedy with a Twist – But Not Without Flaws

The first half of the movie delivers solid entertainment. The comedic chemistry between Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan is electric. Their timing, expressions, and dialogues bring back the franchise’s iconic flavor. The writers also smartly play on nostalgia – iconic phrases like “Prada ka beta Gucci” and even the return of the monkey from earlier films are met with applause.

Adult humor is present but subtle, not overwhelming or cringe-worthy.

However, as the film moves into the second half, the narrative begins to lose steam. The story becomes too stretched, attempting to give screen time to its 17 lead characters, which unfortunately results in pacing issues and underdeveloped arcs. Some roles feel like fillers, appearing without purpose or punch.

Performances: Star Cast Shines, But in Uneven Light

Despite the bloated ensemble, a few actors manage to stand out:

• Akshay Kumar delivers his signature flair, with impeccable comic timing.
• Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan match his energy, delivering laughs effortlessly.
• Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt bring weight to the narrative with their strong screen presence.
• Johnny Lever remains a standout in the supporting cast, delivering memorable punchlines.

Meanwhile, the female leads – Jacqueline, Nargis, and Sonam – add the glam quotient, and though they shine in parts, especially in the first half, their roles taper off post-interval.

Others like Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea, Shreyas Talpade, Chunky Pandey, and Chitrangada Singh are either underused or entirely forgettable. Nana Patekar’s cameo, though brief, is powerful and adds unexpected humor. A special surprise comes from Bobby Deol, whose late entry adds a clever twist.

Music & Direction: A Mixed Bag

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and written by Sajid Nadiadwala, Housefull 5 tries to balance two genres – comedy and mystery – and succeeds only partially.

• Direction: The first half is tight and engaging, but the second half falters due to overstuffed subplots.
• Screenplay: Starts strong but lacks consistency post-interval.
• Music: Unlike earlier Housefull films, this one doesn’t boast chartbusters. Only “Laal Pari” leaves a mark; the rest are forgettable.

Unique Twist: Two Climaxes, Two Versions

One of the film’s most talked-about innovations is its dual-climax strategy. Depending on which version you watch – Housefull 5A or 5B – the killer and the ending are different. This review is based on Housefull 5A, and yes, the climax here is both surprising and satisfying.

Verdict: Is Housefull 5 Worth Watching?

Yes – if you’re a fan of light-hearted, logic-defying comedy with a star-studded cast.

Housefull 5 starts off strong, delivers belly laughs, and ends on a high. But the overcrowded cast, dragged-out second half, and inconsistent storytelling prevent it from becoming a masterpiece. Still, its unique plot, nostalgic callbacks, and an entertaining climax make it a fun one-time watch.

Housefull 5 Review Summary