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Housefull 5 to be Released in 2 Versions; Experts Share Mixed Reactions
Updated on: 02 June, 2025 03:53 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Still from Housefull 5
The beloved "Housefull" franchise is back with its fifth installment, and this time, it`s doubling the madness! Producer Sajid Nadiadwala has announced a unique cinematic experiment for Housefull 5; the film will be released in two versions, 5A and 5B, each boasting a different ending. This ambitious move, a first for mainstream Hindi cinema, has ignited a flurry of discussion among audiences and industry experts alike, as the film gears up for its June 6 release.
The film, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, revolves around three impostors vying for a deceased billionaire`s inheritance aboard a luxurious 20-storey cruise ship. The comedic chaos takes a thrilling turn when a murder occurs on board, making the trio prime suspects. According to Nadiadwala, the two versions of the film will feature different investigations and ultimately unveil different murderers. This approach draws parallels with the 1985 Hollywood film "Clue", which famously experimented with multiple endings, a format largely abandoned by Western studios since.
Leading multiplex chains are gearing up to screen both versions of Housefull 5. Kamal Gianchandani, chief of business planning and strategy at PVR INOX, confirmed their participation, stating, “Each of our locations will screen both versions of the film. This gives moviegoers more choice, more engagement, and more reason to return to the theatre.” The versions will be shown either at staggered showtimes or on different screens within the same cinema.
The film’s distribution partner, Pen Marudhar, is working closely with exhibitors to ensure a smooth rollout. Sanjay Chatar of Pen Marudhar believes this strategy “adds an entirely new layer of interactivity to the theatrical experience.” Audiences booking tickets will have the option to choose between Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B.
Also Read: Chaos Erupts at Housefull 5 Promo Event in Pune; Akshay Kumar Urges Control
Exhibitor Vishek Chauhan sees the novelty as a positive. “It’s a novelty. It’s not something that happens every week. The idea behind it is to create conversation to get people talking about the film," he stated.
However, not everyone is convinced. Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal expressed scepticism: “With my experience as a film distributor and exhibitor, I don’t think such an idea can work and guarantee success at the box office.”
This star power, combined with the unique release strategy, appears to be generating significant pre-release buzz. The film has reportedly grossed ₹3.85 crore in advance bookings, including block bookings, with separate ticket sales figures emerging for each version.
As Housefull 5 prepares to hit theatres, it will face some competition from Kamal Haasan`s highly anticipated Tamil action-drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, which releases a day earlier on June 5. While Thug Life primarily targets the Tamil-speaking audience, its pan-India appeal could still draw some attention.
Whether this two-version gamble pays off for Housefull 5 remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly set a new precedent in Hindi cinema, promising a unique and potentially interactive viewing experience for the audience.
Also Read: `Thug Life` Blocked: Kamal Haasan`s Language Remarks Spark Karnataka Ban
A Tale of Two Endings
Sajid Nadiadwala revealed that the concept of multiple endings has been a long-held ambition. “The idea of having multiple endings, multiple experiences has been with me for 30 years,” he shared with Variety. He felt that the thriller-comedy genre of Housefull 5 provided the perfect canvas to bring this vision to life.The film, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, revolves around three impostors vying for a deceased billionaire`s inheritance aboard a luxurious 20-storey cruise ship. The comedic chaos takes a thrilling turn when a murder occurs on board, making the trio prime suspects. According to Nadiadwala, the two versions of the film will feature different investigations and ultimately unveil different murderers. This approach draws parallels with the 1985 Hollywood film "Clue", which famously experimented with multiple endings, a format largely abandoned by Western studios since.
Leading multiplex chains are gearing up to screen both versions of Housefull 5. Kamal Gianchandani, chief of business planning and strategy at PVR INOX, confirmed their participation, stating, “Each of our locations will screen both versions of the film. This gives moviegoers more choice, more engagement, and more reason to return to the theatre.” The versions will be shown either at staggered showtimes or on different screens within the same cinema.
The film’s distribution partner, Pen Marudhar, is working closely with exhibitors to ensure a smooth rollout. Sanjay Chatar of Pen Marudhar believes this strategy “adds an entirely new layer of interactivity to the theatrical experience.” Audiences booking tickets will have the option to choose between Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B.
Also Read: Chaos Erupts at Housefull 5 Promo Event in Pune; Akshay Kumar Urges Control
Trade Reactions: Masterstroke or Misfire?
The industry`s reaction to this unconventional release strategy is decidedly mixed. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh expressed intrigue, saying, “It remains to be seen how people react to it. I don’t think it has happened before." He added, “I’d love to watch it twice, as I would want to know what the second ending would be. However, it all boils down to the content. Otherwise, people might watch it only once. The film needs to have repeat value.”Exhibitor Vishek Chauhan sees the novelty as a positive. “It’s a novelty. It’s not something that happens every week. The idea behind it is to create conversation to get people talking about the film," he stated.
However, not everyone is convinced. Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal expressed scepticism: “With my experience as a film distributor and exhibitor, I don’t think such an idea can work and guarantee success at the box office.”
Star Power and Box Office Buzz
Housefull 5 boasts a massive ensemble cast, a hallmark of the franchise. Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh return, joined by Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, and Sonam Bajwa. The film also features a lineup of veteran actors, including Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, and Chunky Panday, reprising his iconic role of Aakhri Pasta. Other notable names include Chitrangada Singh, Fardeen Khan, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir.This star power, combined with the unique release strategy, appears to be generating significant pre-release buzz. The film has reportedly grossed ₹3.85 crore in advance bookings, including block bookings, with separate ticket sales figures emerging for each version.
As Housefull 5 prepares to hit theatres, it will face some competition from Kamal Haasan`s highly anticipated Tamil action-drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, which releases a day earlier on June 5. While Thug Life primarily targets the Tamil-speaking audience, its pan-India appeal could still draw some attention.
Whether this two-version gamble pays off for Housefull 5 remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly set a new precedent in Hindi cinema, promising a unique and potentially interactive viewing experience for the audience.
Also Read: `Thug Life` Blocked: Kamal Haasan`s Language Remarks Spark Karnataka Ban
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