Bollywood’s beloved comedy franchise Housefull is back with its fifth and most ambitious instalment yet — Housefull 5 — and if early numbers are anything to go by, it’s gearing up for a massive theatrical run. With Rs 13.94 crore already clocked in through Day 1 advance bookings, the film is off to a roaring start.This marks a significant milestone not just for the Housefull series, but also for its leading man Akshay Kumar, who is headlining what is being billed as India’s most expensive comedy film to date.In an unusual twist that has piqued the curiosity of fans, Housefull 5 will be released in two different versions — Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B — each featuring a unique ending. This dual-format strategy is being seen as a bold experiment in mainstream Indian cinema, with audiences eager to experience both takes on the story.According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Housefull 5A grossed approximately Rs 5.67 crore from the sale of 1,76,271 tickets across 10,087 shows, while Housefull 5B brought in around Rs 2.35 crore, selling 76,543 tickets through 7,279 shows. Together, without factoring in block seat bookings, the film has already amassed Rs 8.02 crore in advance sales.When block seats are included, the film’s projected Day 1 advance booking climbs to a substantial Rs 13.94 crore, setting the stage for a powerful opening at the box office.Housefull 5 appears to be resonating particularly well in metro cities and strongholds of Bollywood fandom. Maharashtra is leading with Rs 2.95 crore in advance sales while Delhi NCR follows with Rs 2.34 crore. Gujarat and Karnataka are also showing strong numbers at Rs 1.25 crore and Rs 1.02 crore, respectively.The scale of Housefull 5 is unlike anything the Indian comedy genre has seen. Slated for a release across 5,000+ screens nationwide, the film boasts the largest screen count for a comedy film in Indian history. It also marks the widest release of Kumar’s career — an achievement even more impressive given his history of high-frequency theatrical releases.Financially, Housefull 5 is setting benchmarks as well. With a production budget of Rs 225 crore (excluding print and advertising), it is officially the most expensive comedy ever made in India. Initially pegged at Rs 350 crore, the budget was later revised following strategic casting changes that helped streamline costs.This price tag places the film among Akshay Kumar’s costliest ventures, alongside blockbuster action titles like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Sooryavanshi.
