Released on October 25, 2019, Housefull 4 is the fourth installment in the popular Housefull series. Directed by Farhad Samji, this film falls under the genre of comedy and fantasy, featuring an ensemble cast of Bollywood’s top stars. With a mix of slapstick humor, confusing plot twists, and over-the-top performances, Housefull 4 aims to entertain and offer a fun-filled ride for its audience. The film’s premise, which revolves around reincarnation and mistaken identities, promises to deliver a laugh riot, though it doesn’t quite succeed in keeping the audience hooked throughout. Let’s take a closer look at what worked and what didn’t in this chaotic comedy.
Plot Summary
Housefull 4 follows the story of four friends—Harry (Akshay Kumar), Roy (Riteish Deshmukh), Max (Bobby Deol), and Aakhri Pasta (Johnny Lever)—who are all reincarnated after 600 years. In their previous lives, they were part of a royal family, and their lives were intertwined with that of a beautiful princess. However, due to a series of unfortunate events and mistaken identities, they end up in the present day, only to face the same dilemmas in a modern setting. The story focuses on their attempts to correct their past mistakes, navigate love triangles, and deal with their previous life’s unfinished business. The film is packed with confusing twists, over-the-top humor, and plenty of physical comedy, all set against a backdrop of lavish sets and costumes.
What’s Good?
Housefull 4 has a few redeeming qualities that make it worth watching for fans of slapstick humor and over-the-top comedies. First and foremost, the film’s acting is a highlight. Akshay Kumar, who plays Harry, is his usual charming self, effortlessly slipping into the role of the confused and bumbling character. His comic timing is spot-on, and he manages to bring his usual energy to the screen. Riteish Deshmukh, who plays Roy, brings his quirky humor to the table and has some genuinely funny moments. Bobby Deol, in his comeback role, shines with his comic expressions, though his character is slightly underdeveloped.
The chemistry between the lead actors is another strength of the film. Their camaraderie, especially between Akshay and Riteish, feels natural and adds to the humor. Johnny Lever, as the ever-hilarious Aakhri Pasta, is a treat for fans of his slapstick comedy. The film also benefits from its extravagant sets and costumes, which add to the overall visual appeal. The reincarnation theme is presented in a colorful, over-the-top way, and the film doesn’t shy away from indulging in grand visuals and dramatic sequences.
The music of Housefull 4 is another highlight. The tracks are peppy, catchy, and add to the fun atmosphere of the film. Songs like “Shaitan Ka Saala” and “Bala” are energetic and help maintain the light-hearted tone of the movie. The film’s background score also does a good job of enhancing the comedic sequences, adding to the chaotic and fun nature of the story.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While Housefull 4 has its moments of laughter and visual appeal, there are several aspects where it falls short. One of the biggest weaknesses is its convoluted and confusing plot. The reincarnation angle, which could have been a clever way to tie the story together, instead becomes a muddled mess that detracts from the comedy. The film constantly jumps between past and present, making it hard for the audience to follow the story. While the humor is slapstick and silly, it often feels forced and repetitive, relying on cheap gags and physical comedy rather than clever writing.
Another drawback is the character development. While the actors do their best with what they are given, the characters are largely one-dimensional and lack depth. This results in a lack of emotional connection with the audience, making it difficult to care about their journey. The female characters, played by Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde, and Kriti Kharbanda, are largely sidelined and don’t get much to do other than look pretty and play into the love triangle subplot.
Despite these flaws, Housefull 4 does manage to provide moments of fun and laughter, especially for those who enjoy light-hearted comedies without expecting much in terms of plot or character development. The film’s chaotic nature might be off-putting for some, but for others, it’s the perfect escape into a world of absurd humor.
Target Audience
Housefull 4 is primarily targeted at fans of slapstick comedy and those who enjoy over-the-top Bollywood humor. The film is ideal for family audiences looking for a light-hearted, fun experience without too much depth or serious content. Fans of the Housefull franchise will also find this installment enjoyable, as it follows the same formula of exaggerated humor, quirky characters, and chaotic storylines. However, those who prefer more nuanced storytelling or intelligent comedy might find Housefull 4 a bit too silly and predictable.
Box Office Details
Housefull 4 had a substantial budget of approximately ₹70 crore, making it a high-stakes production in terms of expectations. The film had a solid opening at the box office, earning around ₹19.08 crore on its first day in India. The movie continued to perform well over the first weekend, with earnings of ₹31.05 crore on day two and ₹33.08 crore on day three. The total first-weekend collection in India was around ₹83 crore.
Overseas, the film also performed decently, grossing around ₹30 crore in its opening weekend. By the end of its first week, Housefull 4 had crossed the ₹200 crore mark worldwide, making it a box office success despite mixed reviews. The film’s large ensemble cast and its comedic appeal ensured that it found an audience, especially among those looking for a fun and light-hearted film to watch during the festive season.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Housefull 4 is a fun and chaotic comedy that will appeal to fans of slapstick humor and those looking for a light-hearted escape. While it has its flaws, including a confusing plot and underdeveloped characters, the film’s performances, music, and humor make it worth a watch for the right audience. If you’re in the mood for a mindless comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Housefull 4 might just be the film for you.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating:
5.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Akshay Kumar | Rajkumar Bala Dev Singh / Harry |
| Bobby Deol | Dharamputra / Max |
| Ritesh Deshmukh | Bangdu Maharaj / Roy |
| Kriti Sanon | Rajkumari Madhu / Kriti |
| Pooja Hegde | Rajkumari Mala / Pooja |
| Kriti Kharbanda | Rajkumari Meena / Neha |
| Rana Daggubati | Raja Gama / Pappu Rangeela |
| Chunky Pandey | Pehla Pasta / Akhri Pasta |
| Ranjeet Bedi | Maharaja Surya Singh Rana / Thakral |
| Johnny Lever | Winston Churchgate |
| Jamie Lever | Giggly |
| Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Ramsey Baba |
| Sharad Kelkar | Suryabhan / Michael Bhai |
| Manoj Pahwa | Big Bhai |
| Parikshat Sahni | Maharaja Parikshitap |
| Prithvi Zutshi | Siskeria |
| Dipesh K. Shrestha | Bhai |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
