Housefull 5 Advance Booking Starts Slow, Trade Expresses Concern
While Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull 5 was expected to heat up the summer box office with its high-gross comedy and star-studded cast, the booking has started slow for the film. Looking at advance booking percentages, the box office situation has left some members within the trade worried.
Advance Booking Begins But Response Is Slow
The film went live for advance booking on Saturday evening. Early data indicates a below-average response. Although the film has one of the most glamorous ensembles in recent years and is backed by a whopping ₹375 crore budget, the film has not received the expected buzz for the fifth entry in the franchise.
Generally, early estimates show that while most centres are seeing slow traction for Housefull 5, most premium multiplex chains in metros are only posting slight momentum.
Housefull films have normally relied heavily on word-of-mouth, rather than a frontloaded performance, so box office isn’t entirely about whether TAPED or MARRIED; it also has to do with the reliability of a tactic. In the post-pandemic era, BOX OFFICE analysts modelled it as a “safe bet” and a “green light” film. Ideally, this planning should have been for a Day 1 opening in the ₹20-25 crore nett range, but early data suggests we are a long way off of being able to consider that a reality.
Two Versions: Housefull A and Housefull B – A Risky Gimmick?
The Housefull 5 team’s unusual dual-version release model—two versions (Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B) released with alternate climaxes—has left audiences perplexed and has polarised the trade.
“It’s an interesting idea, I suppose. But when the audiences nowadays have to pay a second time to watch a different ending, the optimism is misplaced,” highlighted a senior trade analyst.
Critics claim that unless the film is able to gain traction from Day 1 onwards, the dual-version strategy is not going to create repeat viewership because when the difference is the climax only and 90% of the content is the same.
Star Cast & Music Is Still There
Despite the mediocre start, the producers are still relying on the star power of Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Fardeen Khan, and many more.
The songs, including Laal Pari have attracted attention, despite the trailer and other songs not generating enough interest to drive footfalls. If the footfalls increase via spot bookings and weekend walk-ins, Housefull 5 could deliver surprised end of the first week.
➤ Also Read: Akshay Kumar Steps In To Calm Stampede-Like Chaos At Housefull 5 Event In Pune, Jacqueline Fernandez Comforts Crying Child – Watch Video
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
Housefull 5 is presently in a wait-and-watch scenario. Although the underwhelming advance sales are a concern given the massive budget and two-ending gamble, the franchise still has brand loyalty. If Day 1 word-of-mouth kicks in and comedy is hot with audiences, the film will bounce back. However, the runway is shorter now, and the stakes are greater.
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