Bollywood’s highly anticipated comedy film Housefull 5, starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Nana Patekar, has finally hit the big screens. The film, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, marks the fifth installment in the popular Housefull franchise, known for its slapstick humor and chaotic storytelling. Despite the excitement surrounding its release, early reports suggest that the film’s advance booking figures have been underwhelming, with pre-sales closing below ₹5 crore. However, given the franchise’s loyal fan base and the Bakrid holiday weekend, trade analysts predict a strong walk-in audience, which could boost the film’s first-day earnings.
According to industry estimates, Housefull 5 is expected to collect between ₹22-24 crore on its opening day at the Indian box office. While this would make it Akshay Kumar’s fourth-biggest opener, it falls short of expectations, as the film was initially projected to earn ₹30-35 crore. The film’s dual climax concept, where audiences can choose between Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, has generated curiosity, but it remains to be seen whether this unique approach will translate into higher ticket sales.
Despite the slow start in advance bookings, Housefull 5 benefits from one of Bollywood’s widest releases, with an estimated 5,000 screens across India. The film’s ensemble cast, coupled with its high-energy comedy, is expected to attract family audiences over the weekend. However, critics have pointed out that Akshay Kumar’s recent box office track record has been inconsistent, with several of his films underperforming. If Housefull 5 manages to sustain momentum beyond its opening day, it could still emerge as a box office success.
With mixed early reviews and moderate advance bookings, Housefull 5 faces an uphill battle to meet its projected earnings. The film’s performance over the weekend will be crucial in determining its overall box office fate. If positive word-of-mouth spreads and audience reception remains favorable, Housefull 5 could still achieve a ₹200 crore lifetime collection, as some analysts predict. However, if the film fails to impress, it may struggle to maintain its hold at the box office beyond the first week.