June 13, 2025: Despite mixed reviews and criticism of its outdated humor, Housefull 5, the latest installment in the popular comedy franchise, has emerged as a box office juggernaut in its opening week. The film, directed by Tarun Mansukhani and led by Akshay Kumar, has amassed a worldwide gross of over ₹195 crore in just seven days, placing it among the top-grossing Hindi films of the year.
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According to trade analysts, Housefull 5 has collected ₹127 crore net (₹152 crore gross) in India, with an additional ₹42 crore coming from overseas markets, thanks to its multi-star appeal and brand value. It is expected to cross the ₹200 crore mark globally by Friday afternoon, making it the fourth Bollywood film of 2025 to do so—after Chhaava, Sikandar, and Raid 2.
However, the film’s towering production cost—reportedly ₹240 crore—means the financial picture isn’t entirely rosy. Billed as India’s most expensive comedy ever, Housefull 5 was shot extensively aboard a luxury cruise ship and features a staggering 34 supporting actors, including Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Jackie Shroff.
Trade experts say the film must either cross ₹240 crore in net domestic collections or hit ₹300 crore globally to be considered a clean hit for all involved. While the producers are believed to have already recovered much of their investment through lucrative pre-release deals—covering satellite, music, and digital rights—the verdict for distributors and exhibitors remains pending.
“The opening is strong, no doubt, but the real test begins now,” says a senior distributor from Mumbai. “A film with this kind of budget needs excellent word of mouth and sustained collections to ensure profit beyond the top line.”
Housefull 5 revolves around a murder mystery set on a cruise. When a billionaire named Ranjeet dies, he leaves his inheritance to “Jolly”—but there are three men with that name, played by Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan. Things spiral into chaos when a doctor who knows the identity of the real Jolly is found murdered, and everyone becomes a suspect—including the trio’s respective partners, played by Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Nargis Fakhri. In a novel twist, the film features two alternate endings, offering viewers a dual climax experience.
While the film’s long-term success depends on its performance in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: Housefull 5 has successfully drawn audiences into theatres with its scale, star power, and signature slapstick humor. Whether that translates into lasting success—or just a flashy opening—remains to be seen.