Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 is the latest instalment in Bollywood’s popular comedy franchise. It mixes slapstick humour with a murder‐mystery twist, on a grand cruise‐ship setting. It promised big laughs, star power, and spectacle—but did it deliver? Let’s break it down.
What’s the Setup
The story begins aboard a luxurious 20-story cruise ship. The billionaire Mr. Dobriyal is celebrating his 100th birthday when he is found dead.
Suddenly, three impostors claiming to be his long-lost heir (all named “Jolly”) show up, hoping to take his fortune. Meanwhile, murders begin, and the identity of the real heir (and the killer) becomes the central puzzle.
There are also “detectives/police” characters complicating matters. And—in a twist—there are multiple endings depending on the version watched.
What Works
Star-studded Cast & Grandeur
The ensemble cast (Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Chitrangada Singh, etc.) adds a draw. The production values are high. The cruise setting, glitzy visuals, neon lights, the large scale—these bring the glamour and spectacle audiences expect.
Some Fun Moments and Nostalgia
There are scenes and gags that land—especially if you're already a fan of the Housefull series and it's less about story-depth and more about chaotic entertainment. A few songs are catchy, and the mystery angle gives something extra beyond pure slapstick.
Franchise Expectation
For what it is—a loud, ridiculous, over-the-top comedy with a dash of murder mystery—it more or less stays true to the Housefull brand. If you came expecting subtlety, don’t. If you came expecting madness, sometimes it delivers.
What Doesn’t
Writing & Comedy Weaknesses
Many critics say the jokes feel forced, recycled, often juvenile, and the writing lacks freshness. Some of the humour borders on cringe, especially in how it treats female characters and uses double-meaning jokes.
Pacing & Overcrowded Screen Time
The film is long (around 2 hours 45 minutes) and bloated. Very often, scenes drag without much payoff, and with so many characters, many get sidelined. The ensemble cast is both a plus and a drawback—too many moving parts, not enough focus.
Objectification & Tone Issues
A recurring complaint is the treatment of female characters—seen mostly as eye candy, with little depth or relevance beyond visual appeal. Also, the film leans heavily on sexual innuendos and crude jokes, which some find in bad taste. This has led to negative audience reactions.
Predictability & Weak Mystery Twist
Though the movie tries to add intrigue with its murder mystery angle and multiple possible endings, many find the twists predictable, or feel the mystery component isn’t strong enough to create sustained suspense.
Audience and Critic Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a low critic score (around 13%) but a more middling audience/“Popcornmeter” rating.
Some reviews and viewers call it a “decent entertainer” if you leave your expectations at the door. Others criticize it heavily for its lack of humour, coherence, and what they see as lazy storytelling.
Netizens have particularly flagged the excessive double entendre humour and objectification of women.
Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
If you enjoy loud, chaotic Bollywood comedies, large star casts, over-the-top humour (even if it’s cheesy), and you don’t mind filmy clichés, Housefull 5 might give you a few laughs. It’s a popcorn flick, not a thought-provoking one.
But if you’re looking for tight writing, meaningful character arcs, subtle humour, respectful treatment of women etc.—this film will probably disappoint.
My Rating
On a scale of 5 stars:
Entertainment value (if you come with low expectations): ★★★☆☆
Humour (originality + timing): ★★☆☆☆
Story/Mystery: ★★☆☆☆
Performances & Visuals: ★★★☆☆
Overall: 2.5/5—Fun in parts, frustrating in many others. It has flaunt, glamour, and some belly laughs, but for many viewers, it will feel like style over substance.
Main Characters of Housefull 5
⭐ Akshay Kumar – Jolly (Imposter Heir)
Plays one of the three impostors claiming to be the rightful heir of billionaire Mr. Dobriyal. His comic timing and quirky antics are central to the chaos.
⭐ Riteish Deshmukh – Jolly (Imposter Heir)
Another “Jolly,” adding to the confusion. Known for his effortless humour, he continues his role as the franchise’s comic backbone.
⭐ Abhishek Bachchan – Jolly (Imposter Heir)
The third claimant to the fortune. His witty one-liners and reactions bring variety to the trio of impostors.
⭐ Sanjay Dutt – Police/Detective
Plays an inspector caught in the mess of murders and impostors on the cruise. His larger-than-life personality adds dramatic weight to the comedy.
⭐ Jackie Shroff – Mr. Dobriyal (Billionaire Patriarch)
The wealthy tycoon whose 100th birthday celebration sets the stage for the mystery. His sudden death triggers the hunt for the heir (and the killer).
⭐ Chitrangada Singh – Detective / Key Role
Portrays a glamorous yet sharp character involved in unraveling the mystery aboard the cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Housefull 5
Q1. What is Housefull 5 about?
Housefull 5 is a comedy–mystery film set on a luxurious cruise ship. When billionaire Mr. Dobriyal is found dead on his 100th birthday, multiple “heirs” and a murder mystery twist create chaos, laughter, and confusion.
Q2. Who are the lead actors in Housefull 5?
The film stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Chitrangada Singh, among others, in a massive ensemble cast.
Q3. Who directed Housefull 5?
The movie is directed by Tarun Mansukhani.
Q4. Is Housefull 5 connected to the previous Housefull movies?
Yes, it is the fifth installment in the Housefull franchise, known for slapstick humour, chaotic storylines, and ensemble casts. However, the story is standalone and doesn’t require you to watch the earlier parts.
Q5. How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, making it one of the longer entries in the series.
Q6. Is Housefull 5 a family-friendly film?
The film contains double-meaning jokes and objectification of women, which some audiences may find inappropriate. It is better suited for adult viewers who enjoy loud, over-the-top comedies.
Q7. Where can I watch Housefull 5?
The film was released theatrically in India and globally. It will later stream on OTT platforms (details to be announced by the producers).
Q8. Is Housefull 5 worth watching?
If you enjoy slapstick comedy, glamorous sets, and over-the-top performances, it might entertain you. But if you prefer smart humour and strong storytelling, it may not meet your expectations.