"Housefull 5," the latest installment in the comedic franchise starring Akshay Kumar, has arrived with a unique twist: two different endings, labeled "Housefull 5A" and "Housefull 5B." This bold cinematic experiment aims to boost box office numbers by encouraging repeat viewings, as audiences are invited to experience both versions of the film and discover the different "killers" in each.
The film unfolds on a luxury cruise ship, where a wealthy billionaire, Ranjeet, is celebrating his 100th birthday. During the festivities, he stuns his guests by announcing that he will bequeath his massive £69 billion inheritance to someone named "Jolly." Chaos erupts when three men step forward, each claiming to be the rightful heir: Jalaluddin (Riteish Deshmukh), Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan), and Julius (Akshay Kumar).
Adding to the mayhem, a murder occurs on the ship, and all three "Jollys" become suspects. The first two hours of "Housefull 5A" and "Housefull 5B" are identical, filled with the franchise's signature slapstick humor, over-the-top antics, and a multitude of eccentric characters. The film incorporates a murder mystery element, a rarity in Bollywood comedies, which piques audience interest. As the story progresses, secrets and hidden agendas come to light, with nearly everyone on board having a motive for murder.
In "Housefull 5A," social media users have revealed that Jalbhushan (Abhishek Bachchan) and Dev (Fardeen Khan), Ranjeet’s stepson, are unmasked as the killers. Meanwhile, in "Housefull 5B," the ending takes a different turn, with Maya (Chitrangada Singh) and Jalbhushan being identified as the culprits. These alternate endings provide a unique draw, making the film a talking point and encouraging viewers to discuss and compare their experiences.
Adding to the film's already star-studded cast, Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff make an appearance as police officers, Bhidu and Baba, injecting more humor into the already chaotic narrative. Bobby Deol also makes a cameo, further amplifying the film's entertainment value. The question of who the real "Jolly" is adds another layer of intrigue to the storyline, keeping audiences guessing until the very end.
Critics and early viewers have praised the film's comedic elements and Akshay Kumar's performance, with many calling him the "soul" of the film. The franchise's signature craziness and over-the-top humor are retained, and director Tarun Mansukhani brings a fresh energy to the series. However, some reviews suggest that while the first half is engaging, the film loses some momentum in the second half. Nevertheless, the unique climax, with its different versions, is seen as a major highlight.
Ultimately, "Housefull 5" delivers a uniquely unpredictable cinematic experience. The dual-format strategy is a bold experiment, and the film's success will likely depend on whether audiences embrace the concept of multiple endings and are willing to watch the film more than once. Whether it's the comedic confusion, the eccentric characters, or the whodunit element, "Housefull 5" promises a chaotic cruise of comedy and cinematic innovation.
