Housefull 5, the latest entry in the long-running Bollywood comedy franchise, has opened to a mixed reception from audiences, with many criticizing the film’s reliance on innuendo-laden humor and lack of coherent storytelling. While the film posted strong initial box office numbers, social media users have been quick to brand the movie as “rubbish” and “torturous.”
Starring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Soundarya Sharma among others, Housefull 5 continues the franchise’s signature style of slapstick and farce. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film features an extensive ensemble cast, including Riteish Deshmukh, Chunky Pandey, Abhishek Bachchan, and Nana Patekar.
Online Backlash and Viewer Reactions
Reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have been largely negative. One user wrote, “Big budget, big stars, big banners—but all surrounded by double meaning comedy and eye-candy actresses. No story, no baseline. #Housefull5 disappointed.”
Another user mocked Kumar for seeking public opinion directly outside cinemas, saying, “Things are so bad, Akshay Kumar himself reached outside cinema halls to take reviews of Housefull 5. Looks kinda awkward. Akki bro has been giving back-to-back flops since he got the Indian passport.”
Some viewers compared the experience of watching the film to an unwelcome surprise, calling it “that elaichi bite in the biryani.”
Box Office Performance
Despite the online criticism, Housefull 5 reported robust initial earnings, collecting an estimated ₹55 crore net in India over its first two days, according to trade tracker Sacnilk. On its third day, the film added approximately ₹12.16 crore across all languages. As of Sunday, June 8, the movie recorded an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 9.85%.
Franchise Fatigue?
The film is the fifth installment in the Housefull series, which began in 2010. While the franchise has historically performed well at the box office, critics and viewers alike have questioned the continued reliance on repetitive gags and dated humor.
“Maybe it’s time to stop making sequels just for the sake of it,” a social media comment read, echoing sentiments from a segment of the audience that feels the series has overstayed its welcome.
Final Verdict
Housefull 5 may still appeal to fans of broad comedy and Akshay Kumar’s brand of entertainment, but early reactions suggest that the film is struggling to connect with a wider audience. For viewers expecting fresh content or nuanced humor, the film may prove disappointing.
Whether the franchise can reinvent itself in future installments—or whether Housefull 5 marks the beginning of its decline—remains to be seen.
Related Topics