Housefull 5 receives mix reviews ; Weak script main reason for Negative ones

June 06, 2025
Entertainment

Mumbai: The reviews for Housefull 5, released on June 6, 2025, are mixed, with a range of opinions reflecting the franchise’s polarizing nature. Below is a comprehensive overview based on available web sources and posts on X, focusing on the overall reception of Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, the two versions with different climaxes:
Positive Reviews
  • Entertainment Value and Star Power: Some fans and reviewers praise Housefull 5 for delivering the franchise’s signature over-the-top, chaotic comedy. The massive ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Nana Patekar, is a highlight, with Akshay’s comic timing often singled out as a saving grace. Bollywood Hungama rated it 3.5/5, calling it a “paisa-vasool killer comedy” due to its unpredictable climax, franchise value, and performances, particularly Akshay’s “badass” humor and Nana Patekar’s massy cameo. Fans on X echoed this, with one user (

    @gautamhere_) describing the first half as “super funny” and the climax as “insane,” appreciating the vibrant songs and cast chemistry.
  • Murder Mystery Twist: The addition of a murder mystery element is seen as a refreshing departure from previous installments. MensXP noted that this “X factor” makes Housefull 5 better than the critically panned Housefull 4, offering mild entertainment if viewers overlook cringeworthy humor. The dual-ending format (5A and 5B) is lauded as innovative, keeping audiences guessing about the killer’s identity.
  • Box Office Buzz: The film’s commercial appeal is evident, with advance bookings of Rs 9 crore and a first-day collection of Rs 18.55 crore by 8 PM, outperforming competitors like Thug Life. Posts on X highlight strong pre-release hype, with trailer and song views trending high (e.g., one song hit 73M views).
Negative Reviews
  • Lack of Humor and Weak Script: Critics widely criticize the film for its lackluster humor and weak screenplay. The Indian Express gave it 1 star, calling it a “loud, formulaic farce” with crass, recycled jokes and a chaotic plot that lacks logic. Rediff.com labeled it the “most idiotic thing” of 2025, slamming its reliance on “cringey, racist humor” and poor writing. NDTV echoed this, rating it 1.5 stars and describing it as “utterly absurd” with “flaccid plotting” that undermines its madcap potential.
  • Overcrowded Cast and Lack of Depth: The ensemble of 19 actors is often seen as a drawback, with many characters, especially female leads (Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa), reduced to decorative roles with minimal screen time or impact. The Hindu criticized the film for wasting talent and relying on outdated, politically incorrect gags. Times of India gave it 2.5 stars, noting that the film mistakes “noise for humor” and only redeems itself slightly in the climax.
  • Audience Fatigue: Some X users expressed disappointment, calling it a “catastrophic” mess with “lazy jokes” and “recycled slapstick.” One user (

    @iamrazi18) labeled it a “parody” that’s “cringe” and “punishment.” Another (@ASHISHG15704222) rated it 1.5 stars, calling it the “weakest” in the franchise due to bad writing and direction.
Mixed Sentiments
  • Hit-or-Miss Humor: Reviews suggest the film appeals to fans of the Housefull brand who enjoy mindless, slapstick comedy but disappoints those expecting sharper wit. Hindustan Times noted that while Akshay’s charm lifts the film, the script fails to deliver consistent laughs, making it a “wobbly” experience. Filmibeat called it a “confused product” where the mystery keeps viewers engaged, but the humor falls flat.
  • Climax as a Saving Grace: The second half and climax, particularly Nana Patekar’s entry, are frequently praised for salvaging the film. Times Now highlighted that the “second half and climax redeem it a bit” with better humor and surprises, making it a passable watch for die-hard fans.
Box Office and Commercial Context
  • Despite mixed reviews, Housefull 5 benefits from the franchise’s goodwill and star power. With a reported budget of Rs 225–400 crore, it needs to gross Rs 500 crore to be a commercial success. Early box office figures suggest a strong opening, but evolving audience tastes prioritizing content over star power could challenge its long-term performance.
Overall Verdict
Housefull 5 is a polarizing film: fans of the franchise and those who enjoy loud, chaotic comedy with low expectations may find it entertaining, especially for its murder mystery twist and Akshay Kumar’s performance. However, critics and discerning viewers slam its weak script, outdated humor, and lack of coherence, rating it between 1–3.5 stars. The dual-ending gimmick and strong cast generate buzz, but the film struggles to balance its ambition with quality execution. For a definitive experience, viewers may need to watch both 5A and 5B to appreciate the climax variations, though this hasn’t universally translated to critical acclaim.
If you want specific details on cast performances, box office updates, or a deeper dive into a particular review, let me know! DeshGujarat

#Bollywood #Hindi Film Review #Hindi Movie Review

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