The buzz in Bollywood’s vibrant corridors is electric with the announcement that venerable actors Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar are set to reunite on-screen with the ever-energetic Akshay Kumar for the much-anticipated comedy sequel, Housefull 5 (HF5). This latest installment in the successful franchise comes from the creative womb of producer Sajid Nadiadwala and will be directed by Tarun Mansukhani, known for hits such as Dostana (2008) and Drive (2019).
Preparations are already underway, with the team aiming to initiate filming by the end of May. Adding to the star-studded ensemble is Riteish Deshmukh, a series staple whose camaraderie with Akshay Kumar has become a hallmark of the Housefull legacy since its inception in 2010.
Housefull has always been a repository of talent, and the fifth edition promises to continue that legacy. One of Bollywood’s most cherished duos, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar, previously captured the hearts of audiences with their delightful comic synergy as the lovable dons Majnu bhai and Uday Shetty in the blockbusters Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015). Although they’re notably absent in the upcoming Welcome to the Jungle, their upcoming presence in HF5 is already generating excitement among fans yearning for more of their exceptional comic interplay.
Also returning to the laughter brigade is the effervescent Chunky Panday as the quirky Aakhri Pasta, adding to the film’s comedic gravitas. Interestingly, this project represents a poignant moment for Nana Patekar, who was initially a part of Housefull 4 (2019) but exited amidst Tanushree Dutta’s #MeToo allegations; he was subsequently replaced by Rana Daggubati. Now, with HF5, Nana circles back to the franchise that missed his illustrious presence.
Just like the previous editions, this new chapter will be shot in the picturesque and culturally rich landscapes of the UK, promising a backdrop as engaging as its plot.
In other Bollywood news, Hrithik Roshan has ventured into filming for his next action-packed thriller War 2, under the directorship of Ayan Mukerji. The magnetic actor will once again embody the character Kabir Dhaliwal, the intrepid R&AW agent from War (2019). Alongside Hrithik, the film features Junior NTR and Kiara Advani, with producer Aditya Chopra eyeing an ambitious release date of August 15, 2025.
Boney Kapoor is dabbling in an exciting venture, partnering with a real estate entity to build a new film city in Noida. His proactive meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath signals the start of a cinematic infrastructure close to the forthcoming Noida International Airport.
Laughter seems to be a recurring theme, as Kunal Kemmu is rumored to grace his directorial début, Madgaon Express, with a cameo. The film features a talented cast including Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, and Avinash Tiwary. Given Kemmu’s well-established comic chops showcased in the Golmaal series, his contribution to the film is eagerly anticipated.
Teja Sajja, fresh from the success of Hanu-Man, has been ensnared by swirls of speculation about his association with the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, a project that boasts a constellation of stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas.
On the cinematic experience front, Maidaan producer Boney Kapoor announced the release of the Ajay Devgn-starrer in the immersive IMAX format. Similarly, there’s abuzz that Bade Miyan Chote Miyan might also debut in IMAX, marking a historic simultaneous release for two Hindi films in this format.
Lastly, the romantic waves in the air are for Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda, who commence their matrimonial festivities in Delhi. An intimate Punjabi wedding, attended by industry luminaries, will mark the culmination of their love story. With the mehndi and sangeet ceremonies and the pheras, this celeb wedding is set to be the talk of Tinseltown.
