Akshay Kumar returns to theaters with his signature comedy style in Housefull 5 movie, hitting screens nationwide today ( Housefull 5 movie release date June 6, 2025). This fifth installment of the beloved franchise brings something completely new to Bollywood – a movie with two different endings released simultaneously.
The Tarun Mansukhani-directed film has secured one of the widest releases in Akshay Kumar’s career, with an impressive 5000 screens across India. What makes this release truly unique is the unprecedented dual-version strategy that’s got everyone talking.
What Makes Housefull 5 Movie Different?
The Revolutionary Dual Version Strategy
Housefull 5 has broken new ground by releasing as two separate versions – Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B. This isn’t about language dubbing or different viewing formats. Instead, both versions feature completely different climaxes and reveal different killers in the murder mystery plot.
The innovative approach means audiences get two distinct viewing experiences from the same film. While the first two hours remain identical in both versions, the final 20 minutes of the 140-minute runtime offer different resolutions to keep viewers guessing.
The Murder Mystery Plot
The story revolves around a murder on a luxury cruise ship. A wealthy billionaire, played by veteran actor Ranjeet, is killed shortly after announcing he’ll leave his fortune to his successor named Jolly.
Here’s where it gets interesting – there are three different characters named Jolly on the cruise: Akshay Kumar’s character, Riteish Deshmukh’s character, and Abhishek Bachchan’s character. Each Jolly, along with their respective girlfriends (Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Nargis Fakhri), becomes a prime suspect in the murder case.
Housefull 5 Movie Review – Critical and Audience Response
Early Reactions and Reviews
Initial reactions from both critics and audiences have been largely positive. Viewers are praising the film’s return to classic slapstick comedy that made the Housefull franchise popular. The comedy timing and ensemble cast performances are receiving particular appreciation.
Many reviewers note that the film successfully delivers the mindless entertainment that audiences expect from the franchise. The murder mystery element adds a fresh twist to the typical Housefull formula while maintaining the series’ signature humor.
Version Comparison – 5A vs 5B
Early viewers suggest that Housefull 5A offers a clearer and more satisfying resolution to the murder mystery. Version 5B provides a comparable conclusion, though some critics feel it seems slightly forced compared to the A version.
However, the makers encourage watching both versions to get the complete experience. Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh themselves have urged audiences to return for a second viewing to see the alternate ending.
Box Office Performance and Release Details
Advance Booking Analysis
The film’s advance booking finished with approximately ₹5.50 crore net collection, with 94,000 tickets sold through national cinema chains. While these numbers are considered middling for a franchise film, they’re clean and genuine compared to some artificially inflated advance bookings in the industry.
The dual-version strategy initially created confusion among audiences, potentially affecting advance bookings. However, industry experts believe this unique approach will drive repeat viewings once word-of-mouth spreads.
Screen Distribution Strategy
Distributors have secured almost equal screen allocation for both versions. Most multiplex chains are running 2 shows per screen for each version, with any additional shows going to Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, which also released this weekend.
The wide release strategy aims to maximize audience reach and capitalize on the Eid holiday weekend, particularly with Saturday’s holiday providing an additional boost to collections.
International Market Performance
The film is showing strong performance in overseas markets, potentially setting up Akshay Kumar’s biggest international opening. The overseas advance bookings are among the best of the year for comedy films, indicating strong global appeal for the franchise.
Complete Cast and Crew Details
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Housefull 5 features an impressive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, and Fardeen Khan in lead roles. The supporting cast includes Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Ranjeet, Johny Lever, Chunky Panday, and Dino Morea.
The leading ladies include Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, and Soundarya Sharma, each bringing their unique charm to the comedy caper.
Behind the Cameras
The film is directed by Tarun Mansukhani, known for his work on the hit film Dostana. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala continues his successful collaboration with the franchise through his production banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.
The Business Strategy Behind Two Endings
Maximizing Theater Returns
The dual-ending strategy is primarily designed to maximize profits and encourage repeat viewings. With streaming platforms reducing theatrical repeat viewings, this innovative approach aims to bring audiences back to cinemas.
The makers hope that positive word-of-mouth will drive curiosity about the alternate ending, leading to increased footfall and higher box office collections.
Reviving Cinema Culture
Outside of hardcore fan followings, the trend of watching films multiple times in theaters has declined significantly. Housefull 5’s dual-version release is an attempt to revive this trend through genuine content differentiation rather than just marketing gimmicks.
Which Version Should You Watch?
Audience Recommendations
Based on early reactions, both versions offer entertaining experiences. However, if you can only watch one, early reviewers suggest starting with Housefull 5A for a more satisfying resolution.
For the complete Housefull 5 experience, the makers genuinely encourage watching both versions to appreciate the creative effort put into developing two distinct climaxes.
Weekend Box Office Expectations
Holiday Weekend Advantage
The Eid holiday on Saturday is expected to provide a significant boost to collections. While the advance bookings are moderate, the Housefull franchise has historically performed well based on current bookings and word-of-mouth rather than advance sales.
Market Performance Analysis
No single market is showing standout performance in advance bookings, with even comedy-strong circuits like Gujarat showing below-expected numbers. However, the weekend performance will be crucial for determining the film’s overall success.
The film needs to perform strongly over the weekend to establish itself as a successful entry in the franchise.
Final Verdict
Housefull 5 brings back the mindless comedy entertainment that fans expect from the franchise. The dual-ending experiment is bold and could set a new trend in Bollywood if successful.
While advance bookings are moderate, the film’s true test lies in its weekend performance and audience word-of-mouth. The strong overseas response suggests the franchise still has global appeal.
For comedy lovers and Housefull franchise fans, this fifth installment promises the laughs and entertainment the series is known for, with the added bonus of two different viewing experiences. The success of this dual-version experiment could influence future Bollywood releases, making Housefull 5 a potentially significant film in terms of distribution strategy innovation.
