‘Housefull 5’ Review: A Cruise Full of Chaos, Cringe, and Confusion
Housefull 5, the latest installment in the popular comedy franchise, sails into theatres with high expectations but quickly capsizes under the weight of its chaotic plot and outdated humour. Starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan, the film attempts a murder mystery-comedy aboard a luxury cruise, but offers little that’s fresh or funny.
The story revolves around the death of Ranjeet on his 100th birthday, who leaves behind 69 billion pounds for his unknown heir, Jolly. Multiple men claim to be the real Jolly, setting off a whodunnit filled with slapstick confusion and tasteless jokes. Despite a glossy presentation, the film relies heavily on sexist humour, double entendres, and recycled gags.
Johnny Lever, Bollywood’s beloved comedian, is criminally underused, while cameos by Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Nana Patekar fail to lift the film. The leading ladies — Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Nargis Fakhri — are reduced to visual props, with Soundarya Sharma’s debut adding little substance.
Though Akshay Kumar puts in visible effort, and Riteish and Abhishek complement the madness, the absence of meaningful humour makes Housefull 5 feel forced and outdated. In an era where audiences seek smart, relatable comedy, this film misses the mark entirely.
Housefull 5 may look like a grand entertainer, but beneath the glitter lies a dull script that struggles to evoke genuine laughter. For a comedy, the biggest mystery remains: who killed the jokes?
