Housefull 5 Movie : A Chaotic Comedy Cruise with Mixed Results

A Murder Mystery on a Luxury Cruise

Housefull 5 sets sail on a luxury cruise ship where a billionaire Ranjeet Dobriyal (played by Ranjeet) celebrates his 100th birthday. His will declares that his £69 billion fortune will go to his heir “Jolly” the son of his second wife. The catch three men Jalaluddin (Riteish Deshmukh) Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan) and Julius (Akshay Kumar) board the cruise each claiming to be the real Jolly accompanied by their glamorous partners (Nargis Fakhri Sonam Bajwa and Jacqueline Fernandez). When a doctor who could identify the true Jolly is murdered chaos ensues with the trio and their partners becoming prime suspects. The plot thickens with a web of mistaken identities over-the-top gags and a surprising twist the film offers two alternate endings (5A and 5B) each revealing a different killer.

The storyline attempts to blend comedy with suspense a departure from the franchise’s usual reliance on pure slapstick. However the narrative struggles to balance these elements often feeling like a patchwork of forced jokes and a loosely woven mystery. While the cruise ship setting adds a fresh lavish backdrop the plot’s predictability and lack of depth prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Performances: A Star-Studded Cast with Mixed Impact

• Akshay Kumar as Julius: Akshay Kumar, the backbone of the franchise, brings his trademark energy to the role of Julius. His comic timing shines in scenes like the drug-induced sequence where he walks on walls mistaking them for the floor. However his role feels repetitive echoing his earlier Housefull characters and the script doesn’t give him much room to innovate. Fans of 2000s Akshay Kumar will enjoy his return to slapstick but it’s not enough to elevate the film.

• Riteish Deshmukh as Jalaluddin: Riteish is the standout performer delivering consistent laughs with his impeccable timing and natural flair for comedy. His ability to balance over-the-top humour with subtle expressions makes him the heart of the film. Whether he’s gobbling a parrot or navigating the chaos Riteish steals the show.

• Abhishek Bachchan as Jalbhushan: Abhishek Bachchan’s return to the franchise is a highlight but his role feels underutilised. His deadpan delivery and chemistry with Riteish spark in a few scenes but the script limits his impact. Fans expecting a meatier role may feel short-changed.

• The Leading Ladies (Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri): The female leads are primarily relegated to glamorous roles with little to do beyond being the butt of crude jokes or adding visual appeal. Jacqueline Fernandez and Sonam Bajwa deliver decent performances within their limited scope while Nargis Fakhri struggles with a poorly written role that leans heavily on objectification.

• Veterans (Nana Patekar, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff): The senior actors bring gravitas but are criminally underused. Nana Patekar’s extended cameo is a saving grace offering moments of wit while Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff are reduced to glorified cameos. Their presence feels like a missed opportunity.

• Supporting Cast (Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea, Shreyas Talpade, Johny Lever, Chunky Panday): The supporting actors add to the chaos but are let down by poorly etched roles. Shreyas Talpade and Johny Lever known for their comedic prowess disappear for large chunks of the film while Fardeen Khan and Dino Morea act sensibly but lack memorable moments.

Direction and Screenplay: Tarun Mansukhani’s Ambitious Misfire

Director Tarun Mansukhani known for Dostana takes the helm for Housefull 5 aiming to blend comedy with a thriller element. His vision of a “killer comedy” is ambitious but the execution falters. The first half drags with lethargic pacing and forced humour while the second half picks up with the murder mystery and climactic twists. However the screenplay penned by Sajid Nadiadwala feels rushed and disjointed relying on outdated gags and crass jokes that don’t always land.

The decision to release two versions (5A and 5B) with different killers is a novel idea but it doesn’t significantly impact the viewing experience as the core story remains unchanged. The film’s attempt to recreate the chaotic charm of earlier Housefull instalments falls flat making it the weakest execution in the franchise to date. Mansukhani’s strength lies in handling the ensemble cast but he struggles to tie the sequences into a cohesive narrative.

Music and Choreography: A Mixed Bag

The Housefull 5 soundtrack featuring songs like Laal Pari and Qayamat is a mixed bag. Laal Pari with its vibrant choreography by Adil Shaikh stands out as a visual treat capturing the cruise ship’s glamour. The song featuring the entire cast in all-white outfits exudes carefree vibes and is a crowd-pleaser. Qayamat sung by Neeraj Shridhar and Shruti Dhasmana is catchy but poorly placed in the narrative disrupting the flow.

The background score adds energy to the comedic sequences but fails to enhance the suspenseful moments. Overall the music is decent but doesn’t match the iconic tracks of earlier Housefull films like Dhanno or Apni Toh Paathshaala.

Cinematography and Production Values: A Visual Spectacle

Shot on a luxury cruise ship Housefull 5 boasts grand production values. The cinematography captures the opulence of the setting with sweeping shots of the ship’s deck and interiors. The vibrant colour palette and lavish sets align with the franchise’s larger-than-life aesthetic. However the CGI particularly in scenes involving animals like monkeys and parrots is subpar and jarring detracting from the visual experience.

The film’s reported budget of ₹240 crore makes it India’s most expensive comedy and the grandeur is evident. However the high cost raises questions about profitability especially given the mixed reviews and average box office performance.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Star Power: The ensemble cast led by Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh is a major draw for fans.

• Comedy Moments: Certain gags especially those involving Riteish land well and keep the audience engaged.

• Climactic Twists: The dual endings add an element of intrigue even if the execution is underwhelming.

• Production Values: The cruise ship setting and vibrant visuals make it a spectacle.

Weaknesses:

• Weak Screenplay: The plot feels disjointed with forced humour and a lack of coherence.

• Overcrowded Cast: Too many actors result in poorly developed characters and wasted talent.

• Crass Humour: Jokes centred on objectification and sexual innuendos like “69” gags feel outdated and inappropriate for a U/A-rated film.

• Poor CGI: The visual effects especially in animal-related scenes are shoddy and distract from the experience.

Is Housefull 5 Worth Watching?

Housefull 5 is a quintessential Bollywood masala entertainer that thrives on chaos but stumbles in execution. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Housefull franchise or Akshay Kumar’s slapstick comedy you’ll find moments of fun especially in Riteish Deshmukh’s antics and the vibrant Laal Pari sequence. However the weak screenplay overreliance on crass humour and wasted star cast make it a tiring watch for those seeking substance or clever comedy.

For the best experience go for version 5A as critics suggest it has a slightly better climax. Lower your expectations grab some popcorn and enjoy it as a mindless guilty pleasure. If you’re looking for meaningful storytelling or family-friendly laughs this cruise might not be worth boarding.