Aboard the Ship of Chaos: Housefull 5’s OTT Splash
Prime Video has rolled out the red carpet for the global streaming debut of Housefull 5, the fifth and most ambitious chapter in Bollywood’s riotous comedy franchise, starting August 1, 2025. After an eventful theatrical run that saw the film cross major box office milestones, director Tarun Mansukhani’s star-studded murder-mystery now brings its slapstick madness straight to living rooms across the world, available exclusively in Hindi for Prime members in over 240 countries and territories.
Key Highlights from Today’s Release
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Housefull 5 is now streaming on Prime Video globally in Hindi, marking a major OTT premiere across more than 240 countries and territories.
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Today’s digital launch follows a blockbuster theatrical journey with collections soaring over ₹300 crore worldwide.
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The movie arrives in two distinct versions, Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, each presenting viewers with a different ending and a new killer, offering a fresh twist to traditional Bollywood storytelling.
Inside the Franchise’s Largest Outing Yet
The latest installment, an uproarious blend of comedy and whodunnit, is crafted around the outrageous 100th birthday bash of billionaire Mr. Dobriyal (Ranjeet) set on a luxurious cruise liner. The party takes an unexpected turn with Mr. Dobriyal’s mysterious death, throwing the cruise—and its guests—into utter pandemonium.
The Heart of the Madness: Story and Gimmicks
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Three men—portrayed by Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan—all claim to be Dobriyal’s long-lost heir, each adopting the identity of ‘Jolly.’
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The plot thickens with not just mistaken identities but also a murder, and two impostor cops tossed into the mix, conjuring a floating madhouse of comedy, chaos, and confusion.
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For the first time in franchise history, Housefull 5 is released as two films—5A and 5B—with both sharing an identical beginning but heading to different, surprise-filled conclusions. The dual-release concept was producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s 30-year-old dream, designed to boost viewership, repeat screenings, and audience intrigue.
Ensemble Cast Piled High
The cast reads like a who’s who of Bollywood comedy:
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Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan lead as the trio of Jollys.
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Supported by Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Fardeen Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Nana Patekar, Dino Morea, Chitrangada Singh, Chunky Pandey, Nikitin Dheer, Johnny Lever, and Soundarya Sharma.
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Comic veterans and iconic faces from earlier Housefull films bring familiar gags and nostalgic callbacks, keeping the franchise flavor alive.
Critical Reception and Controversy
While riding high on its box office performance, Housefull 5 has split both critics and audiences:
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The dual ending gimmick has fueled post-viewing debates, with early fans rating 5A’s climax as stronger than 5B’s alternate resolution.
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Some viewers and critics have called out the film for relying on age-old tropes, male gaze, and objectification, sparking discussions about what family comedies should truly represent in modern Bollywood.
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Despite mixed reviews, the franchise’s loyal fanbase has embraced the film’s characteristic mayhem and non-stop laughs.
Why This OTT Premiere Matters
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Housefull 5’s immediate digital release caters to a global audience, satisfying fans who missed the theatrical run and offering rewatch value through its dual-ending structure.
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Prime Video’s global push underscores Bollywood’s expanding reach, bringing Indian comedy to international viewers in real time.
Today’s Takeaway
The arrival of Housefull 5 on Prime Video not only continues the franchise’s legacy of madcap entertainment but also sets a precedent for innovative storytelling with alternate endings. The release caters to comedy lovers, franchise fans, and anyone eager for a suspenseful cruise through the spectacular and the absurd.
Source: Hindustan Times, BollywoodShaadis, Bollywood Hungama, IndiaTimes, Moneycontrol
