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Amidst a season brimming with high-profile releases, ‘Housefull 5’ arrives as a fresh entry that promises laughter with a twist. Released on June 6, 2025, this Akshay Kumar-starring comedy thriller adds a new flavour to the well-known franchise. As audiences and critics turn their attention to its performance and reception, all eyes are on its impact. Let’s explore how the movie measures up in both entertainment and box office numbers. A Premise with Two Different Prints Set on a lavish cruise, the story kicks off with the mysterious murder of billionaire Ranjeet Dobriyal at the hands of a masked assailant. Chaos follows, staying true to the franchise’s signature blend of slapstick humour and comic confusion. Police officers Bhidu and Baba dive into the investigation, while Julius joins forces with other passengers to uncover the truth. The suspense deepens with a twist- two alternate versions of the film, ‘Housefull 5A’ and ‘Housefull 5B’. Collectively, the story offers different killer reveals, leaving viewers guessing until the final frame. Neat Humour but Slow-Paced Storyline The movie kicks off with promise, striking a lively balance between comedy and suspense. In the first half, Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh shine through. Their timing, expressions, and witty one-liners carry the narrative with ease. Nostalgia is woven cleverly, recalling iconic bits like ‘Prada ka beta Gucci’ and even reviving the monkey from earlier instalments, much to fans’ delight. Read more: June 2025 Bollywood Movie Lineup: Top 10 Most-Anticipated Hindi Films Adult humour finds its place too, handled with restraint and smart writing. The early segments remain crisp and engaging. But as the interval approaches, things begin to slip. The plot feels stretched. After the break, the grip loosens. Momentum fades as the screenplay struggles to manage the massive cast. The attempt to give each character a share of the spotlight leads to bloat, pushing the runtime to 165 minutes. Despite all the effort, several characters end up feeling like fillers, appearing briefly with minimal impact. Just before the twist, the pace picks up again. The twist lands well, and Bobby Deol’s late appearance injects some freshness. A smart reveal involving Abhishek Bachchan adds to the intrigue. The climax manages to be both unexpected and amusing. The franchise’s usual tone, fun beyond logic, remains intact, though this time a touch of logic joins the party. Still, the overstuffed cast and excessive length dilute the overall experience. If the pre-climax stretch had been tighter, the film could have truly lived up to the makers’ tall claims. A Huge Star-Studded Cast in the Lead With a staggering ensemble of 17 lead actors, ‘Housefull 5’ carries a weighty cast. Yet, it is Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff who leave the strongest impression. Both are offered well-crafted scenes and deliver them with seasoned flair. Akshay maintains his dominance with effortless humour, driven largely by his eccentric expressions. Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan also make their presence felt through sharp comic timing. Read more: Judwaa: A Pakistani Drama about Twin Sisters Becomes Internet Obsession The female leads – Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, and Jacqueline Fernandez – serve primarily as visual highlights. While they contribute a few amusing moments in the first half, their roles gradually fade as the narrative progresses. Their impact remains confined to their glamour appeal. Among the supporting cast, Johnny Lever stands out as the sole performer with well-written scenes and effective punchlines. Others, including Fardeen Khan, Dino Morea, Shreyas Talpade, Nikitin Dheer, Chitrangada Singh, and Chunky Pandey, are largely under-utilised. Shreyas Talpade is nearly invisible. Fardeen Khan manages a few decent moments, though without lasting effect. Nana Patekar’s cameo is a clear standout. His entry is impactful, commanding attention despite limited screen time. Even in a serious tone, he introduces a fresh layer of humour. Bobby Deol, appearing towards the end, adds an unexpected twist to close the character lineup. Music, Screenplay, and Direction Sajid Nadiadwala handles the story and screenplay, while Tarun Mansukhani takes charge of direction. Their collaboration shows strength in the first half, maintaining a light, engaging rhythm. However, the second half struggles with consistency. Read more: Eid-ul-Azha 2025 Bengali TV Drama Preview: Top Upcoming Bangladeshi Natoks Set to Spark the Festival Balancing a murder mystery within a comic framework proves challenging. The narrative loses its grip as it tries to manage both genres. Music, a trademark of the ‘Housefull’ series, falls short this time. Unlike past chart-toppers like ‘Aapka Kya Hoga (Dhanno)’ or, ‘Anarkali Disco Chali’ only ‘Laal Pari’ leaves a lasting impression. The remaining tracks are enjoyable but forgettable. Box Office Earnings: Akshay’s Historical Achievement Backed by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, ‘Housefull 5’ was made on a budget of Rs 225 crore. It opened with a robust global earning of Rs 37.25 crore, securing the third-highest opening for a Bollywood film in 2025. Over the first weekend, the film collected between Rs 130.50 crore and Rs 131.50 crore worldwide. The figure surpasses ‘Sooryavanshi’ (Rs 118 crore) to mark Akshay Kumar’s biggest weekend yet. Within four days, the comedy thriller entered the Rs 100 crore club domestically. After drawing Rs 32.5 crore on Sunday, it maintained momentum with Rs 13.5 crore on Monday, taking the total India box office tally to Rs 101 crore. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Streaming in June 2025 On the international front, the Indian film crossed the USD 1 million mark at the North American box office. This milestone marks Akshay’s 28th film to do so, further strengthening his overseas track record. According to trade analyst Nishit Shaw, Akshay stands just behind Shah Rukh Khan in the million-dollar club rankings. While Shah Rukh leads with 32 films, Akshay holds second with 28, edging past Salman Khan, who has 25 films on the list. Verdict Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Housefull 5’ features two alternate versions, subtitled 5A and 5B. Though the film delivers neat humour, it suffers from a sluggish story pace. The amazing blend of comedy and thriller boasts a massive star-studded ensemble in this film. However, not all are meaningfully utilised. Despite narrative flaws, the Nadiadwala production has struck gold at the box office, crossing INR 100 crore domestically and USD 1 million in North America. Marking Akshay’s 28th entry in the million-dollar club, the movie stands as both a significant highlight in his career and a gem for Indian cinema. Read more: Top Amazon Prime Originals to Binge-Watch in June 2025

Breaking away from the war-soaked legacy of its predecessor, Kesari Chapter 2 carves its path through the high-stakes world of courtroom drama. Released on April 18, 2025, this Akshay Kumar-led film places its strength in sharp dialogues, layered emotions, and legal confrontations. Let’s evaluate the filmmaking finesse, star appeal, and box office trajectory of the Bollywood historical drama Kesari Chapter 2. Narrative Depth of Kesari Chapter 2 Subtitled ‘The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,’ this chapter revisits one of colonial India’s darkest hours, seldom explored on screen. Inspired by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s The Case That Shook The Empire, the film leans into its charting of familiar territory with dignity rather than daring. Anchored by the tireless resolve of C. Sankaran Nair, it delves deep into his courtroom quest for justice following the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As legal proceedings unmask imperial deceit and media manipulation, Nair’s defiance ignites both a legal and emotional uprising. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads Filmmaking: Direction and Screenplay in Harmony When storytelling meets sincerity, it leaves a lasting imprint, and this film does just that under the assured vision of Karan Singh Tyagi. His approach isn’t weighed down by the need to sensationalise history but rather to let the gravity of its truth speak for itself. Each frame feels like it was carved with both reverence and restraint. It offers a cinematic experience that balances commercial storytelling with historical depth. Even the few dramatised moments stay rooted in emotional honesty, never tipping into artificiality. What’s especially refreshing is its resistance to the typical post-interval slump; the pacing remains taut and engaging throughout. The dialogues, shaped meticulously by Sumit Saxena, feel less like scripted lines, deliberate truths waiting to strike. Credit also flows to Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra’s subtle strength in co-shaping the screenplay. With this creative collaboration, the drama avoids overblown patriotism, opting instead for quiet, piercing dignity. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch Star Cast Led by Akshay Kumar Akshay delivers a performance that transcends his usual action-packed persona. Stepping into the shoes of C. Sankaran Nair, he masterfully portrays the transformation of a British loyalist into a passionate truth-seeker. His ability to channel the inner conflict of a man torn between loyalty and morality introduces a unique depth to his character. Every monologue, carefully crafted and executed, is a moment of defiance and a raw human reaction to the forces of manipulation. In contrast, R. Madhavan, as Neville McKinley, serves as the perfect foil to Akshay’s stoic intensity. His portrayal of an eloquent, somewhat eccentric opposing counsel presents a refined complexity to their courtroom clashes. These verbal duels are poised as ideological battlegrounds, where each word carries the weight of colonial repression and personal belief. Ananya Panday shines as Dilreet Kaur, a co-counsel whose quiet determination adds gravitas to her role. She navigates her character’s legal prowess and personal pain with remarkable maturity. Meanwhile, Regina Cassandra’s portrayal of Nair’s wife, Palat Kunhimalu Amma, anchors much-needed support to Nair's tumultuous journey. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows Finally, Simon Paisley Day brings a chilling presence as General Dyer, whose backstory adds a layer of tragic complexity to his villainous role. His portrayal sheds light on the dark psychology driving colonial violence. Visual Brilliance and Score: Production Set, Cinematography, and Music The production design by Rita Ghosh flawlessly brings the pre-Independence era to life. It extends from the bustling streets of Amritsar to the bloodied grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. The colonial courts, the grandeur of the Viceroy’s parties feels genuine yet not overly staged. Every single detail is meticulously crafted to evoke the period’s oppressive atmosphere.  Debojeet Ray’s cinematography, paired with Tyagi's direction, adds a visual depth that enhances the emotional weight of the story. The music elevates the experience further with Shashwat Sachdev’s stirring compositions, like ‘O Shera’ and ‘Kithe Gaya.’ Azeem Dayani’s background score underscores the tension and drama. A poignant moment arrives with the nostalgic revisit of ‘Teri Mitti,’ an emotional callback to the first film, binding the narrative together beautifully. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching Box Office Strength and Audience Verdict Bankrolled by the collaborative strength of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film’s box office journey began with steady momentum. Its opening day pulled in Rs 7.75 crore, which is around BDT 11.02 crore (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.42); a respectable start. The second day witnessed a healthy uplift, recording Rs 9.5 crore (BDT 13.51 crore), 22.58 percent growth from day 1. As of midday on April 20, the third-day earnings stood at Rs. 0.6 crore (BDT 0.8 crore), pushing the total to Rs. 17.85 crore (BDT 25.38 crore). Despite stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback in Jaat, the movie’s hold remains promising. Audience reception shines brightly too, with an IMDB rating of 8.6- a testament to its impact beyond mere numbers. Verdict Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review reflects a gripping courtroom journey wrapped in patriotic depth and emotional weight. Akshay Kumar’s compelling portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair marks one of his most restrained yet stirring performances. The historical drama arrived with an impressive box office turnout, holding audience attention despite its creatively mixed echoes. A fine blend of storytelling and purpose, Karan Singh’s direction emerges as a dignified sequel worth watching. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch

Kesari Chapter 2, the much-awaited courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar, is all set to release in theatres on Friday, April 18. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film also features Ananya Panday and R Madhavan in key roles. Ahead of its theatrical debut, the film has generated considerable buzz among audiences, with advance ticket sales picking up pace. As per data from Sacnilk, Kesari Chapter 2 has sold 24,935 tickets across 3,503 shows so far, bringing in ₹82.85 lakh from advance bookings alone. Including blocked seats, the total pre-release collection has reached ₹1.86 crore. On Tuesday, the makers hosted a grand premiere in Delhi at a cinema in Chanakyapuri. The special screening was attended by several high-profile political figures and dignitaries, with Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan personally greeting guests at the event. Nate Bargatze will host the 2025 Emmy Awards Before the screening began, Akshay Kumar addressed the audience, urging them to stay off their phones during the film. “I humbly request you all to please keep your phones in your pockets and listen to every dialogue of this film. It will mean a lot. If you try to check your Instagram during the movie, it will be a humiliation for the film. So I request everyone to keep their phones away,” he said. Set in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Kesari Chapter 2 is a thematic successor to Akshay Kumar’s 2019 film Kesari. While the original, directed by Anurag Singh, focused on the legendary Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, the sequel continues the narrative of valor and sacrifice with a fresh perspective. The film also stars Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, and Alexx O'Nell in prominent roles. Ibrahim Ali Khan responds to Palak Tiwari dating rumours: "She's Sweet" Kesari Chapter 2 is jointly produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari under the banners of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. Source: With input from NDTV

Amid criticism over the poor box office performance of Salman Khan’s latest film Sikandar, fellow actor and longtime friend Akshay Kumar has come out in support of the star. During a special screening of his upcoming film ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ in Delhi, Akshay dismissed claims that big stars are losing their box office pull. “Dekhiye yeh galat baat hai. Aisa hai, aisa ho nahi sakta hai. Tiger Zinda hai aur hamesha rahega. Salman aisi nasal ka tiger jo zindagi mein kabhi marr nahi sakta,” he said. ‘The Great Moose Migration’ captivates devoted fans of Swedish slow TV sensation ["Look, this is wrong. This can't be. The tiger is alive and will always remain alive. Salman is the kind of tiger who can never die in his lifetime," he said.] Akshay and Salman, who began their film careers around the same time, have shared screen space in popular films such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Jaan-E-Mann, and continue to share a strong camaraderie. With inputs form Hindustan Times

Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, ‘Sky Force’, featuring Akshay Kumar, garnered Rs 2.56 crore net in India on its eighth day at the box office. The film’s total net earnings in India have now reached Rs 89.06 crore, with expectations of surpassing the Rs 100 crore milestone over the weekend.  On Day 8, ‘Sky Force’ recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of 11.22 percent. By the end of its first week, the film had already crossed Rs 100 crore in global earnings, amounting to Rs 111.5 crore. Its India net collection on day seven stood at Rs 86.5 crore, while the India gross total reached Rs 103.25 crore. The film’s overseas earnings were reported at Rs 8.25 crore.  ‘Sky Force’ opened with Rs 12 crore on its first day, followed by Rs 22 crore on Day 2 and a peak collection of Rs 28 crore on Day 3. However, the numbers declined in the following days, with Rs 7 crore on fourth day, Rs 5.75 crore on fifth day, Rs 6 crore on sixth and Rs 5.5 crore on seventh.  After Coldplay's India tour, Chris Martin to perform at Grammy Awards ceremony Set during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, the film revolves around IAF officer T Vijaya (played by Veer Pahariya), who goes missing in action. Akshay Kumar portrays KO Ahuja, an IAF officer determined to locate Vijaya. Made on a budget of Rs 160 crore, ‘Sky Force’ also features Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur in significant roles. Source: with inputs from Indian Media  

Veteran Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, fondly known as 'Khiladi Kumar' for his penchant for action-packed roles, has reflected on one of the most perilous stunts of his career. The feat, performed for the 1998 film Angaaray, saw him leaping from the seventh floor of one building to the fourth floor of another, separated by a narrow road below. Recalling the nerve-wracking moment during an interview with The Quint while promoting his latest film Sky Force, Akshay shared an amusing yet alarming anecdote involving the film’s director, Mahesh Bhatt. February 2025 South Indian Movie Releases: Top 12 Must-Watch Films “There was a stunt in Angaaray where I jumped from a seven-floor building. In between, there was a road, but only one lane, and there was another building on the other side. So, I had to jump from the seventh to the fourth floor,” Akshay explained. What made the incident even more unforgettable was Mahesh Bhatt’s reaction. The veteran filmmaker, fearing for Akshay’s life, decided to flee the scene before the actor could execute the daring leap. “During that, my director ran away,” Akshay revealed with a chuckle, recalling the palpable tension surrounding the stunt. Akshay Kumar, who has built a reputation for performing his own stunts throughout his illustrious career, has often credited his dedication to pushing boundaries for his success. His thrilling performances have earned him admiration from fans and colleagues alike. Film actress Nipun banned for life from Shilpi Samity While Akshay successfully executed the stunt in Angaaray, the anecdote highlights the risks he has taken to bring authenticity to his roles. His latest venture, Sky Force, further showcases his commitment to delivering high-octane performances. For Akshay, the journey of performing dangerous stunts continues to be a testament to his love for cinema, even if it occasionally leaves his directors in a state of panic. Source: Indian media  

Some nine years ago, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan played a bodyguard assigned to protect a college-goer from assailants in a blockbuster film by the same name. To a poser then, he had dedicated the movie to his personal bodyguard, Gurmeet Singh, nicknamed Shera, who also starred in a cameo in the flick.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has revealed that he drinks cow urine every day for ayurvedic reasons, reports Indian media.

Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Amir Khan are drawing criticism from fans for maintaining silence even as violence in the Indian capital claimed 47 lives.