Review of Housefull 5

Plot

The plot of Housefull 5 kicks off with an absurd premise that tries to meld comedy with a murder mystery. It revolves around Ranjit, who on his 100th birthday, throws a massive cruise party only to drop dead in the midst of festivities. But in true Housefull style, he manages to communicate posthumously through a hologram, revealing that his vast fortune of "69 billion pounds" is up for grabs. The twist? There are not one, but three claimants, all named 'Jolly' (played by Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan), each accompanied by their glamorous wives, making it a chaotic free-for-all. The essence of the film quickly transforms from an initial murder mystery to a series of forced comedic scenarios filled with pointless songs and the typical Housefull shenanigans that fans might recognize from earlier installments. Instead of focusing on the aftermath of Ranjit's death, the screenplay prioritizes jarring humor that often lacks coherence, featuring crowded frames that can leave viewers bewildered. As the trio of 'Jollys' and their wives navigate through various ludicrous situations, the plot seems to lose its way, stretching thin as it tries to accommodate far too many characters during its hefty runtime of 165 minutes. Thankfully, the climax does offer some hearty laughs and a surprising twist that somewhat redeems earlier missteps, but the journey to that point seems overly long and convoluted. Notably, the film includes two different endings, encouraging viewers to watch both versions—Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B—if curiosity strikes, but the execution leaves much to be desired. Ultimately, this film, despite a potentially engaging premise, struggles to find a rhythm and at times seems like an endless parade of characters with no clear direction. The initial intrigue of a murder mystery is quickly overshadowed by a flurry of unfunny antics and forgettable moments that undermine its potential.

Acting

The cast of Housefull 5 is nothing short of star-studded, but the performances are a mixed bag. Central to the film’s appeal are Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan, who return as the beloved 'Jolly' trio. Their comic timing is on point, and they undoubtedly carry much of the humor in the film, particularly in the first half where their chemistry shines through in witty dialogues and hilarious situations. However, the film takes a severe dip in quality regarding character development and engagement. With 17 main actors in the spotlight, many performances come across as caricatures rather than characters, depriving the audience of any genuine connection or empathy. The female leads, including Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Sonam Bajwa, are dazzling visually but unfortunately are reduced to mere props within the male-centric humor narrative. They do initiate some chuckles in the first half, showcasing a few good comic moments, but by the second half, their roles become almost negligible. As for the supporting cast, while Johnny Lever does get a couple of genuinely funny lines, others, like Fardeen Khan and Shreyas Talpade, appear subdued and underutilized. Nana Patekar makes a memorable cameo that injects humor into the proceedings, even if fleeting. His short presence leaves a strong impact. Overall, the acting tends to resonate more as exaggerated sketches than concentrated performances, leaving many viewers yearning for deeper engagement and connection with the characters. As standout moments come mostly from veteran players like Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt, the film feels bloated without any real direction or depth—effectively diluting the potential comedic value these established actors could bring if given a better script.

Cinematography

The cinematography in Housefull 5, while charming at times, often feels like a visual overload, reflecting the chaotic filmmaking style of the franchise. The film is set aboard a lavish cruise ship, and there are moments where the grandeur of the setting shines through spectacularly, showcasing the vibrant colors and elaborate costume designs. However, as the plot unfolds, the camera work tends to mimic the confusion of the narrative itself. This lack of clarity in visual storytelling can leave the audience dazed, struggling to grasp the unfolding comedy amidst so many characters vying for attention simultaneously. The sequences involving extravagant song-and-dance numbers embody the franchise's traditional flamboyance, featuring flamboyant costumes and eye-catching choreography, but the sheer repetition and similarity of these performances detract from their initial visual allure. With multiple large-scale group numbers, it's as if the crew forgot to make them distinct, causing viewers to lose interest quickly. The editing, while competent in its efforts to weave together the various subplots, fails to provide a smooth flow of action, creating jarring transitions that add to the chaos rather than the comedy. Although it aims to create a fun atmosphere, the overstimulating visuals paired with a lack of clear direction can often pull viewers out of the experience. Housefull 5 follows the well-trodden paths of its predecessors but sadly misses an opportunity for innovation in its presentation. The overwhelming focus on spectacle over substance appears to be a major failing in capturing and retaining audience interest in what could have otherwise been a humorous cinematic experience.

Direction

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 finds itself struggling under the weight of its own ambitions. While the first half showcases a balance between humor and mystery, as the film progresses, true direction becomes absent, resulting in a disjointed script. Mansukhani brings forth moments of genuine comedic timing through the leading trio and executes some nostalgic references well; however, therein lies the problem. The film attempts to juggle numerous characters and intertwining storylines, yet fails to provide each one the necessary attention to flourish. With an exhaustive cast of 17 actors, it often feels as if the direction is merely trying to keep abreast of them rather than developing a cohesive script that aligns with the pre-existing comedic elements of the franchise. Moreover, the presence of not one but multiple climaxes and convoluted plots makes it seem as though the film is deceitfully stretching the balance between a tight narrative and sprawling chaos. The casual approach to potentially offensive humor—whether it be outright racism, casual sexism, or excessive innuendos—may appeal to a segment of viewers, but often it feels forced or overdone, leading to groans rather than laughter. The pacing falters considerably post-interval, with the second half feeling unfocused, and while this seems intended to keep audiences enthralled, it results in a dragged experience. Overall, Mansukhani's direction exhibits flashes of promise, yet ultimately falls prey to the wider issues of erratic storytelling and reliance on star power over substance. The film tries to blend humor with a murder mystery but falters, leading to an uneven and oftentimes exhausting cinematic ride.

Conclusion

Housefull 5 is a dizzying spectacle filled with well-known faces and laughs that unfortunately fall flat due to an inconsistent script and lack of coherent direction. While it may appeal to loyal fans of the franchise searching for slapstick humor, others might find it to be a tiring endeavor through a maze of pointless characters and repetitive scenarios. The potential of the film is squandered amidst an overload of comedic attempts, often merging cringe-worthy jokes with nonsensical sequences and a reliance on familiar tropes that fail to create a truly unique experience. As the film navigates through its mishaps, one can't help but wish for a tighter narrative and more defined roles that capitalize on the undeniable talent of its cast. The clarity that comes from a well-directed script is lacking here, leaving viewers with only remnants of laughter rather than a long-lasting impact. For those who enjoy mindless humor and enduring chaotic storylines, this fifth installment in the Housefull franchise might just suffice for a couple of laughs, but for anyone seeking depth or originality, it’s best to wait for the credits to roll on this rather forgettable comedic offering.