The "Housefull" franchise is back with its fifth installment, "Housefull 5," directed by Tarun Mansukhani. The comedy drama features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and many others.

Early reviews are surfacing, and initial reactions suggest a mixed bag of responses. Some viewers are calling it a "hilarious joyride," particularly praising Akshay Kumar's comic timing, with one X user noting that he steals every scene with his expressions. The user also lauded the entire cast's performance, highlighting the crackling chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments, and described the songs as catchy and vibrant, perfectly matching the film's high-octane vibe.

Another netizen described "Housefull 5" as delivering "a wild, confusing plot packed with over-the-top comedy." They added that despite its complexity, the film forces laughs through sheer chaos and energy. Other viewers echo this sentiment, with one writing, "Film starts well and delivers what it promises—entertainment, suspense, and a bit of chaos," while acknowledging some confusion in the second half but emphasizing the overall entertainment value.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer gave the film 2.5 stars, calling it a "chaotic mess" with "forced comedy, lazy writing & zero thrill." This review also criticizes the predictability of the climax and suggests that Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff are wasted in their roles.

Adding an element of surprise, producer Sajid Nadiadwala has announced that "Housefull 5" will be released in two versions: "Housefull 5A" and "Housefull 5B," each with a different ending. According to Nadiadwala, this idea has been with him for 30 years, aiming to create a thriller with an X factor that keeps the audience talking. The concept involves different theaters potentially showing different versions of the film, each revealing a different killer.

Shreyas Talpade, who returns to the franchise, shared his experience of working with the cast, calling it "mad and magical." He reminisced about a terrifying incident during the 40-day cruise shoot when the ship was caught in a storm.

With its massive star cast, "Housefull 5" aims to offer a respite to audiences amidst films exploring violent themes and high-stakes action. Whether it achieves comedy gold or ends up a misfire remains to be seen, but it's certainly generating buzz with its unique approach to comedy and suspense.