Abhishek Bachchan Is Very Underrated In Comedy, Hope More Filmmakers Cast Him: Housefull 5 Director Tarun Mansukhani

Director Tarun Mansukhani is set to return to the director's chair with Housefull 5, the latest installment in one of Bollywood's biggest comedy franchises. Starring Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, and an ensemble of nearly 20 actors, the film promises chaos, confusion, and crackling comedy, this time, with a twist of murder mystery. Excerpts:

You've directed nearly 20 actors in one film. How has the experience been? Was it chaotic?

It was far from chaotic. I knew one thing that no matter what pressures come our way, we needed to have fun while making this film. I would start almost everyday by shooting something which has the whole cast in it. Coming together every morning while they are bright and chirpy just set the mood for the day and because of that we would sail through the rest of the day.

With so many stars in one frame, does storytelling take a backseat to stardom?

Not at all. Having a star present only further enforces the need for storytelling in order to justify the presence of the star in your film.

The film was shot for 40 days on a cruise. Was it challenging?

Absolutely. It was new terrain for everyone. We faced rough weather and stormy seas on some days where members of the crew got sea sick. But more than that, we didn't anticipate that people would get lost walking around the ship. On one particular day we were shooting at the front end of the ship and I ended up at the back of the ship wondering where the crew was!

What can the audience expect from Housefull 5 and how will the film be different from the previous installments of the franchise?

Sajid Nadiadwala (producer) has always ensured that each installment of the film is unique in its own right but still provides you the entertainment you expect from the franchise. Similarly, in this one too, we have brought together two unique worlds. The world of Housefull and a murder mystery.

These days, comedy can also end up landing people in trouble. Were you mindful of the dialogues or scenes and the way they are presented?

One is always mindful of one's writing as Housefull is a film you watch with your entire family and all your friends. We would never want anyone to feel offended or uncomfortable when watching the film.

How was the experience reuniting with Abhishek Bachchan after Dostana?

I always have a great time working with Abhishek, whether as a director or as an assistant. We even sulk with each other and then something happens on set and we both just look at each from across the set and know what the other is thinking and burst out laughing. Since we've known each other since we were 16, our bond goes beyond an actor-director friendship.

Abhishek's comic timing was a hit when films like Dostana and Happy New Year released. Do you think he's underrated in comedy?

Definitely it is. Not only is his sense of humour dry like mine but we both love physical comedy as well. He is very underrated in comedy and I hope more writers and directors cast him in comedies.

Many people feel Bollywood comedy hasn't evolved since the 2000s. Do you think that criticism is fair?

I don't think it's fair to say that. If the comedy had not evolved, then films like Stree would not be breaking box office records.

Your last directorial was Drive, what kept you from directing for so many years?

Soon after Drive, the pandemic hit. Before we all knew it, two years had passed. Post that I got onto Housefull 5.

The film is all set to hit the big screens on June 6, 2025. It also stars Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Nana Patekar, Chitrangda Singh, Fardeen Khan, Jackie Shroff, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Dino Morea, Ranjeet, Nikitin Dheer, and Akashdeep Sabir among others.