Housefull 5 Movie Review: Akshay Kumar’s Film Is Full-On Nautanki, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff Join the Madness

Housefull 5 Movie Review: Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull franchise, now in its fifth installment, returns with a film that seems to have only one goal: go bigger, crazier, and more crowded.

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 takes the already chaotic template of the series and amps it up several notches, tossing in murder mysteries, mistaken identities, royal curses, cruise ships, and twin troubles-all in under three hours.

The comedy film boasts a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea, Sanjay Dutt, Johny Lever, Chunky Panday, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Chitrangada Singh, Ranjeet, Nikitin Dheer, Sonam Bajwa, and Soundarya Sharma.

Shot primarily on a luxury cruise, the film is touted as the most expensive comedy ever made in India, with a reported production budget of ₹225 crore. The film was wrapped up in a 90-day schedule aboard the cruise, with the full cast and crew on board. In a never-before-seen move, the makers have introduced two separate climaxes-Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B-each requiring a different ticket to watch. The last film in the franchise was released in 2019. Which ending will you choose?

Plot:

The story kicks off on a luxury cruise, but soon spins into multiple directions-five couples, three secret identities, one cursed bloodline, and two veteran cops trying to make sense of it all. Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff play the investigating officers, reuniting on-screen to unravel a murder that may or may not have even happened.

The film jumps between timelines, palaces, and poker tables, and just when you think you've figured something out, another twist lands-usually followed by a song or slapstick gag.

Akshay Kumar Steals the Show

As usual, Akshay Kumar is the engine powering the madness. Whether playing Bala, Raju, or someone in between, he brings his signature mix of goofiness and precision to each scene. Riteish Deshmukh keeps up with his tried-and-tested comic style, while the leading ladies-Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde, and Jacqueline Fernandez-mostly exist to scream, dance, or react to absurdity.

Johny Lever appears in top form, reminding everyone why he's still one of Bollywood's most reliable laugh-getters.

Visuals, Music & Mayhem

Shot extensively on a cruise ship, the film is a visual treat-filled with slick sets, neon lights, casino backdrops, and panoramic sea shots. Songs like Phoogdi break up the chaos, though you might use the time to grab snacks or check your phone.

Housefull 5 First Review:

The reviewer rated Housefull 5 - 2.5 stars, describing it as a "chaotic mess" plagued by forced comedy, weak writing, and zero suspense. They noted, "The climax is utterly predictable, and the killer reveal fails to surprise. It's a shame to see Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff wasted in such underwhelming roles." The verdict: "A painful watch from start to finish."

Housefull 5 Movie Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Bonkers

What works:

Akshay's effortless comedy

High production value

Veteran charm of Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff

Total surrender to nonsense

What doesn't:

Zero logic

Overstuffed plot

Gags that sometimes miss the mark

Final Verdict:

If you're expecting sense, logic, or a coherent narrative-Housefull 5 isn't your movie. But if you walk in ready for unapologetic, brain-off entertainment with a side of nostalgia and celebrity cameos, you'll probably walk out chuckling.

This film is less of a story and more of a three-hour meme. But sometimes, that's exactly what the audience wants.