Housefull 5 Review: The Laughs Are Afloat, But the Script Missed the Cruise

Everyone who’s followed the Housefull franchise has a favorite. Mine? Housefull 1 and 2—the ones that knew how to go big on absurdity without completely sinking the ship. The fifth installment, which just hit theatres today (in two versions, no less—5A and 5B, each with a different ending), tries to raise the bar but forgets the basics of why we showed up in the first place.

Here’s the deal: None of the five films are actually connected—except by three constants. Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Chunky PandayAkshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Chunky Pandayhave been the glue holding this floating madhouse together since the start. And honestly, in Housefull 5, they’re still the only ones who seem to know how to land a laugh.

This time, there’s even a plot (surprise!). Written and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the story follows a 99-year-old billionaire (played by Ranjeet) who dies just before his birthday bash aboard a luxury cruise. He leaves behind a jaw-dropping inheritance of 69 billion pounds to his son, Jolly. Problem is—three Jollys show up. Enter Akshay, Riteish, and Abhishek Bachchan, each with their respective girlfriends (Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, and Jacqueline Fernandez). Then someone ends up dead, and the murder mystery begins. Sounds interesting? Don’t get too excited.

But really—who watches Housefull films for the story anyway?

The film kicks off on a decently funny note, mostly thanks to Shreyas Talpade, who has a knack for these roles. But it starts losing steam fast… until Akshay Kumar enters the scene in full Ace Ventura mode. His comic timing brings much-needed energy, and he does his best to carry the weight of some very limp writing. Unfortunately, most of the ensemble around him seems either underused or out of sync.

The first half serves up the usual franchise formula: mistaken identities, relationship chaos, slapstick innuendos, and the trademark private-part jokes. Some gags land, but too many fizzle out halfway through delivery. You get the sense that Sajid Nadiadwala is relying more on Akshay’s charm than actually writing jokes that work. Sometimes, the jokes are the joke.

There are a few problematic moments sprinkled in too—but let’s be honest, this franchise never set out to be woke.

The second half turns into a whodunit with two suspended cops, Baba (Jackie Shroff) and Bhidu (Sanjay Dutt), taking the lead. (Yes, they’re literally called by their real-life nicknames.) Nana Patekar joins the party as their superior, and this trio injects some life into the film’s sagging middle. Version 5B even manages a climax that had the entire theatre laughing together—finally.

Still, something about Housefull 5 feels… off. Like the film had all the ingredients—comic legends, slapstick setups, a bigger-than-life setting—but forgot the recipe. Shreyas Talpade, who’s gold in this genre, all but vanishes after the opening scenes. Riteish is solid, but clearly held back. Chunky Panday does his usual schtick, which still works in small doses.

Abhishek Bachchan, though, is a letdown. He gets plenty of screen time but not a single memorable moment. It’s a reminder that he needs the right material to shine (Bol Bachchan, anyone?). The women in the film look great, but don’t get much else to do.

In the end, Housefull 5 is like being stuck on a cruise with a few comedy veterans and a script that missed boarding. It floats, wobbles, but never quite sails. Watch it only if you're with friends who love juvenile humor and don’t mind if half the jokes go overboard.

We all have that one friend. Take them