Akshay Kumar’s ensemble comedy Housefull 5 is off to a flying start at the box office, nearing ₹200 crore in worldwide collections within its first week. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film has garnered ₹127 crore net in India (₹152 crore gross), with an additional $5 million (₹42 crore) from overseas markets. This puts the film’s global tally at around ₹195 crore, making it the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025 so far.
Star Power and Spectacle
Featuring a massive cast that includes Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff, Housefull 5 is the most expensive comedy ever made in India, with a reported budget of ₹240 crore. A significant chunk of the budget was spent on its grand shoot aboard a luxury cruise liner. The film’s large ensemble cast and extravagant production values have contributed to its scale and its cost.
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Mixed Reviews, But Audience Interest Holds
Despite criticism for its dated humour and accusations of sexism, the film has found favour with audiences, especially in mass circuits. Its slapstick mystery plot centered around three men named Jolly entangled in a murder case on a cruise has managed to draw footfalls. The inclusion of two alternate endings has added to audience curiosity.
Is It a Hit Yet?
While the film has nearly broken even on paper, with strong revenues from satellite, music, and digital rights, trade experts suggest it must cross ₹240 crore in net collections or ₹300 crore globally to be declared a clear hit. Distributors, who rely on theatrical revenue, are still watching its performance closely. The second weekend will be crucial in determining the film’s staying power at the box office.
Final Verdict Awaited
With Housefull 5 expected to cross the ₹200-crore global mark by Friday afternoon, it will join the ranks of Chhaava, Sikandar, and Raid 2 as 2025’s biggest Bollywood grossers. However, due to its massive budget, the jury is still out on whether it will turn a substantial profit. For now, it remains a potential success that must continue to perform well in the coming weeks to be deemed a genuine blockbuster.
