Mumbai — Continuing the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises, Housefull 5 has made a spectacular debut at the box office. The film, which premiered in theaters on Friday, has already surpassed the ₹100 crore mark in its opening weekend, showcasing a robust commercial performance even though critics had mixed feelings about it.
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Nana Patekar. The film has successfully attracted large audiences to cinemas, proving that slapstick comedy and multi-starrer films still hold a special place in the hearts of Indian moviegoers.
Since its inception in 2010, the Housefull series has become a hallmark of high-energy, over-the-top comedy and chaotic storytelling. With each new installment, the franchise has embraced its zany tone even more, winning over fans who love masala entertainers. Housefull 5, the latest addition, takes the comedy of errors to a whole new level with its story of mistaken identities, tangled marriages, and convoluted family drama — all delivered with a mix of clever punchlines and physical humor.
While the storyline might not break new ground, it’s the cast’s impeccable comic timing and the grand scale of production that seem to resonate with audiences. Trade analysts report that the film opened to packed theaters in various Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, while urban areas enjoyed a steady stream of moviegoers throughout the weekend.
According to early estimates from box office trackers, Housefull 5 raked in about ₹34 crore on its opening day, followed by ₹36 crore on Saturday, and around ₹33 crore on Sunday. This brings its total for the weekend to just over ₹100 crore in domestic earnings, making it one of the top openers of the year.
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The film has also made a splash overseas, particularly in the Middle East and UK, where Indian comedies often find a solid audience among the diaspora. Global figures are projected to surpass ₹150 crore within the first week.
“A franchise like this, combined with Akshay Kumar’s reliable box office appeal, has really boosted the film’s success,” noted a prominent trade analyst. “There’s definitely a market for family-friendly, mass appeal comedies, and Housefull 5 nails that.”
However, despite the impressive numbers, critics haven’t been too kind to Housefull 5. Reviews have highlighted the film’s recycled jokes, predictable storylines, and over-the-top humor. On the flip side, audience reactions have been more lenient, especially among families and younger viewers.
Social media is buzzing with mixed reactions; some users are calling it “mindless fun,” while others are scratching their heads over how such films keep thriving. Yet, the franchise’s loyal fan base seems unfazed by the critics. For them, Housefull has always been about switching off their brains and just enjoying the ride.
In recent years, Bollywood has really leaned into action thrillers and serious dramas, leaving fewer big comedies to grace the screens. The success of Housefull 5 might just signal a change, giving producers the boost they need to start investing in large-scale comedies again.
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For Akshay Kumar, this win is a breath of fresh air after a series of box office disappointments. He’s been a staple in the Housefull series since the beginning, and it seems audiences are thrilled to have him back in this familiar role.
Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan also deliver standout performances in supporting roles, with their comedic timing even earning praise in some of the tougher reviews. The addition of seasoned actors Sanjay Dutt and Nana Patekar, known for their quirky roles, brings a refreshing twist to the well-trodden formula.
With such a strong start, Housefull 5 is likely to hold steady during its first week, especially since there aren’t any major Hindi releases coming up soon. The real challenge will be how it fares in the second weekend, which often reveals a film’s true staying power.
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Regardless of what critics say, Housefull 5 has once again shown that family-friendly, franchise-based comedies still have a solid place in Indian cinema. Whether it will endure over time remains to be seen, but for now, the laughter—and the box office—are definitely thriving.