Housefull 5: Mistakes, Noise, and a Lack of Humor
Story Overview
The stage is set for chaos as the death of an aging billionaire, Ranjeet, aboard his opulent cruise ship triggers a whirlwind of events. Named in his will as the heir to his substantial fortune is his son, Jolly. The situation escalates when not one, not two, but three Jollys—played by Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh—arrive to stake their claim to the riches. Just when you think the plot couldn’t get more convoluted, a masked killer joins the fray, making everyone a potential suspect. The question looms: Who is the real Jolly, and who is the killer?
A Comedy That Misfires: The Review
The Housefull Franchise: A Familiar Landscape
With its roots deeply anchored in slapstick comedy, the Housefull franchise has set a precedent. You enter the theater, wide-eyed and ready for a roguish blend of mischief, expecting to see Akshay Kumar engaged in ridiculous antics, while Riteish Deshmukh entertains with his humorous charm. Amidst this familiar chaos, catchphrases like “Thokte raho… Taaliya” echo, yet this installment disappointingly lacks substance.
What’s truly shocking is the staggering absence of humor—an essential ingredient that has defined the franchise. The script is filled with missed opportunities for laughter, leaving talented actors hanging in a haze of uninspired comedic timing.
Direction and Pacing: An Overlong Affair
Tarun Mansukhani Takes the Helm
Stepping away from the sharp wit displayed in films like Dostana, director Tarun Mansukhani aims to meld comedy with a murder mystery in Housefull 5. But at nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes, the runtime feels excessive for a comedic whodunnit. The first half trudges on, cluttered with pointless songs, juvenile jests, and a cacophony of noise that masks the comedy we’ve come to adore.
Even Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff can’t elevate the lack of substance as their roles morph into mere caricatures. One can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for these actors, reduced to shadows of their once-illustrious careers.
The Redemption in the Second Half
Nana Patekar’s Entrance
A shift occurs in the film’s second half, as it begins to pick up pace, culminating in a surprisingly engaging climax. Enter Nana Patekar, a titan of comedic talent, who infuses vigor into the sluggish narrative. As an Interpol chief clad in dhoti, Patekar showcases his mastery of the genre, making you wonder why this energy wasn’t present from the start.
Sajid Nadiadwala, the writer, struggles to seamlessly integrate comedy with suspense. While the last 20 minutes are genuinely entertaining and even manage to hide the killer’s identity until the end, the humor throughout mostly falls flat.
Character Dynamics and Performance
A Talented Cast Wasted
Most noticeable is the underutilization of key actors. While Riteish manages to break through with genuine humor, Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan are left with little to work with, making brief appearances that feel underwritten. Female characters tend to be mere accessories, delivering nothing more than glamorous visuals amid a slew of adult jokes.
Supporting cast members like Shreyas Talpade, Johnny Lever, and Chunky Panday are criminally wasted, left with little to no screen time.
Two Climaxes—Which One to Choose?
Housefull 5 Climax Options
In a curious twist, the film presents two climaxes: 5A and 5B. While both have different killers, the narrative remains largely unchanged. If given the choice, go with 5A—it’s the slightly more fulfilling option.
Conclusion
In summary, Housefull 5 serves as a reminder of how the elements of chaos and confusion can dilute the essence of comedy. While promise is seen in glimpses, the film ultimately relies too heavily on noise rather than finesse, leaving audiences craving genuine laughter.
For those curious about its box office performance, check out the detailed figures in this article: ‘Housefull 5’ box office collection day 1.
