Plot, Cast & Crew
Set entirely on a luxurious cruise ship, the story begins with billionaire Ranjit’s will, which declares that his entire estate will go to Jolly, the son of his second wife. This sparks a frantic inheritance battle led by Dev (played by Fardeen Khan), Ranjit’s son from his first marriage, and several scheming board members.
Enter Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh—each claiming to be Jolly. What follows is a chaotic mix of confusion, comedy, and confrontation as everyone tries to figure out who the real heir is.
Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Housefull 5 features a sprawling ensemble cast including the return of many familiar faces from the franchise. The music is composed by a team of composers, though none of the songs leave a lasting impact.
Review
Director Tarun Mansukhani seems to handle the cast more than the content. The screenplay lacks tightness, and the first half suffers from a sluggish pace. Although the second half picks up with a few engaging moments and a major twist, the comedy feels repetitive and forced. Some scenes land well with audiences, especially those involving mistaken identities and the buildup to the reveal, but many jokes feel awkwardly inserted or outdated.
The editing could have been more precise, and while the visuals are polished and camera work commendable, they can’t compensate for the undercooked story. While it’s exciting to see so many stars in one frame, their roles lack depth. Veteran actors especially seem wasted in roles that don’t do justice to their talent.
The music fails to lift the film’s energy, with songs appearing at odd times and adding little value to the narrative. Only the background score succeeds in enhancing the comic confusion in key moments.
Final Words
Housefull 5 is your standard slapstick entertainer—extravagant, crowded, and chaotic. But beyond the flashy visuals and multi-star appeal, it falters due to weak writing and predictable storytelling. Die-hard fans of the franchise might find it watchable for the nostalgia and the ensemble cast, but anyone looking for clever comedy or a tight plot may walk away disappointed.
