KKN Gurugram Desk | The much-awaited Housefull 5, starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan, has finally hit the silver screen. The comedy-mystery, which was released on June 6, 2025, has created a buzz not just for its ensemble cast but for a first-of-its-kind experiment in Indian cinema — releasing with two different climaxes, titled Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B.

Audiences had the choice to watch either version, each revealing a different killer and a different ending, adding a unique flavor to the already popular Housefull franchise.

The Double Climax Strategy: What Sets Housefull 5 Apart?

In a bold and unprecedented move, the makers of Housefull 5 released two versions of the same film:

• Housefull 5A: Features one killer and a specific plot resolution.

• Housefull 5B: Offers a completely different climax with a different murderer.

This narrative twist created significant curiosity among fans, pushing many to consider watching both versions for the full story.

Star Cast and Characters

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film features a star-studded cast:

• Akshay Kumar

• Riteish Deshmukh

• Abhishek Bachchan

• Jacqueline Fernandez

• Nargis Fakhri

• Sonam Bajwa

• Johnny Lever

• Jackie Shroff

• Shreyas Talpade

• Ranjeet

The story revolves around a murder mystery on a luxury cruise, where an affluent billionaire (played by Ranjeet) is killed shortly after announcing his heir. The twist? There are three men named Jolly (Akshay, Riteish, Abhishek), each a potential suspect.

Day 1 Box Office Collection: ₹18.55 Crore Expected

As per early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk, Housefull 5 is expected to collect approximately ₹18.55 crore on its opening day.

Comparative figures:

• Housefull 5A released across 4074 screens

• Housefull 5B on 2944 screens

This makes a total of 7018 screens, making it one of the widest releases in recent months.

Occupancy Report:

• Housefull 5A: ~20.93% average occupancy

• Housefull 5B: ~10.76% average occupancy

Despite being an innovative experiment, the box office numbers suggest that version A was received better than version B.

Comparison with Recent Releases

For context, Sky Force, another Akshay Kumar starrer released earlier, made ₹11.50 crore on Day 1. Thus, Housefull 5 has performed significantly better, possibly due to the franchise value and the unique narrative hook.

Audience Reaction: Mixed Bag Despite Hype

Despite an impressive opening, audience reviews have been mixed. While the film delivered on its signature comedy and lavish visuals, critics argue that it failed to live up to the potential of its cast and concept.

Positive Highlights:

• Akshay Kumar carries the film with charm and timing.

• Double climax gimmick adds intrigue.

• Strong production design and music.

Common Criticisms:

• Weak screenplay and forced humor.

• Overstuffed with characters.

• Predictable twists despite dual endings.

“Housefull 5 feels like a grand buffet where the desserts shine, but the main course is underwhelming,” said one critic.

Franchise Popularity: The Housefull Legacy

Housefull 5 continues the legacy of one of Bollywood’s longest-running comedy franchises. Starting in 2010, the series has evolved from slapstick to a blend of comedy + mystery + multi-character chaos.

Previous Installments Box Office:

• Housefull (2010) – ₹75 crore

• Housefull 2 (2012) – ₹116 crore

• Housefull 3 (2016) – ₹109 crore

• Housefull 4 (2019) – ₹206 crore

Expectations were naturally high for Part 5, especially with Akshay Kumar returning to comedy after multiple action-dramas.

Screen Distribution and Target Regions

Top Performing Markets:

• Delhi NCR

• Mumbai

• Bangalore

• Lucknow

• Ahmedabad

Target Audience:

• Family viewers

• Fans of light-hearted mystery comedies

• Repeat viewers interested in both versions (5A and 5B)

Marketing Strategy: How the Two-Endings Concept Worked

The film’s marketing leaned heavily into the “choose your climax” theme. The makers released trailers with different teasers for the two endings, encouraging viewers to watch both versions to see the full puzzle.

The strategy:

• Boosted first-day bookings

• Encouraged curiosity and social media chatter

• Opened conversations on innovative storytelling in Indian cinema

What Could Hinder Long-Term Success?

• Mixed reviews may impact second-day footfall

• Two versions could confuse audiences unfamiliar with the concept

• Lack of strong word-of-mouth from neutral viewers

What’s Next for the Housefull Franchise?

With strong initial numbers and fan loyalty, the producers are likely to recoup their investment quickly. However, whether Housefull 5 will have legs at the box office beyond opening weekend depends heavily on:

• Weekend growth

• Audience reception to both versions

• Online buzz and critical reviews

Housefull 5 is more than just another Bollywood comedy. It’s an experiment in story structure and audience engagement, offering two endings and letting viewers decide. While not flawless in execution, it has opened the doors to narrative innovation in mainstream Indian cinema.

The film’s ₹18.55 crore Day 1 collection proves that brand value + curiosity = box office traction. Whether it sustains beyond opening weekend remains to be seen, but the film has undeniably set a benchmark for experimentation.