Inside Sajid Nadiadwala’s ‘Housefull 5’ Multiple Endings Gambit: ‘Bringing Back That Element of Surprise’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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Since the release of “Clue” with its three alternate endings in 1985, Hollywood largely stopped using this approach. However, filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala is bringing back this concept for Indian viewers with “Housefull 5,” hoping that it will appeal to today’s audience seeking unique experiences.

The bold approach taken in the rollout plan isn’t just a marketing trick for the fifth comedy series installment; it’s a well-thought-out tactic aimed at adapting to shifting viewer preferences, streaming platform rivalry, and generating exclusive cinema experiences that can’t be matched at home.

Producer Nadiadwala shares that the concept of offering various conclusions and diverse experiences has been with him for three decades. He believes that the murder mystery aboard a cruise ship is an ideal platform to realize this long-held idea. ‘Given I planned to make Housefull 5 a blend of thriller and comedy, there couldn’t have been a more suitable means to bring my concept of multiple endings to life than this,’ he says.

In contrast to “Clue” setting the stage for multiple endings in theater, “Housefull 5” takes this concept further by adopting a strategic and extensive approach. The storyline revolves around three individuals pretending to be Mr. Dobriyal’s heir named Jolly, each vying for his fortune on a lavish 20-story cruise ship. The conclusion of the mystery changes depending on the version you watch in the cinema.

The operational intricacy is significant. Multiple cinema chains are simultaneously screening two versions of the film, identified as “Housefull 5A” and “Housefull 5B”. These screenings are either on separate screens or at different times. Kamal Gianchandani, chief business planning and strategy at PVR Inox (India’s largest multiplex chain), confirms that each of their locations will show both versions of the movie. This approach offers cinema-goers more options, increased interaction, and a stronger incentive to revisit the theater.

For distributors, this format brings about both advantages and hurdles. Sanjay Chatar from Pen Marudhar views it as introducing “a completely fresh dimension of interactivity to the cinematic experience.” This necessitates a close partnership with exhibitors to achieve “the best programming, crowd movement, and visibility across different venues.

The international aspect brings an additional level of intricacy. Aditya Chatar, from the global distributor Marudhar Entertainment, perceives the multi-ending format as a way for “regional distributors and exhibitors to adapt their release strategies according to audience preferences and viewing habits” across both diaspora and crossover markets.

In a creative capacity, director Tarun Mansukhani takes charge of this production based on a screenplay by Sajid Nadiadwala, with contributions from Farhad Samji and Tarun Mansukhani as writers, while Nadiadwala also contributes the storyline. An impressive ensemble cast is assembled featuring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan playing rival “Jollys.” The female leads are portrayed by Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, and Jacqueline Fernandez. The supporting cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, and Chunky Panday.

The concept of multiple endings was inspired by this question: why should viewers only get one version of the truth in a thriller? As Nadiadwala points out, ‘Housefull 5’ is a movie that not only experiments with structure but also remains firmly focused on providing pure entertainment.

As a film enthusiast, I find the marketing strategies behind certain movies incredibly fascinating. The unique twist of “which ending did you watch?” serves as an engaging tool that not only boosts ticket sales but also sparks widespread cultural discussions. This organic buzz can lead to extensive multi-phase campaigns, thoughtfully crafted social media narratives, and influencer-led word-of-mouth publicity, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall impact of the film.

Devang Sampat, representing the multiplex chain Cinepolis India, acknowledges the wider impact on the cinematic industry: “This is a significant juncture for movie theaters, as we find an innovative intersection between storytelling and operational aspects of cinema that feels both novel and commercially enticing.

The production timing coincides with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment marking their 75th anniversary celebration. Nadiadwala commented, “It seemed fitting to take a bold step as we commemorate 75 years of Nadiadwala Grandson in the business. ‘Housefull’ is India’s most successful comedy franchise, and for the fifth part, we wanted to explore the limits of what comedy can offer.

The initial four movies from this series were launched in 2010, 2012, 2016, and 2019, each one, and collectively they earned approximately $118 million at the box office.

Nadiadwala aligns the experiment with wider movie industry patterns by stating, “It’s an organic progression of the cinema experience: generating curiosity, repeat-watch appeal, and a feeling of exploration. In a time dominated by spoilers and algorithms, we’re reviving that sense of surprise.

The upcoming film “Housefull 5” leverages the advantages of a well-known brand, extensive theater distribution systems, and robust social media promotion strategies, which were not available to the movie “Clue” during its attempt to present various endings over three decades past.

The outcome of this strategy might influence whether other Indian filmmakers adopt comparable theatrical advancements. For Nadiadwala, it signifies the culmination of decades worth of creative aspirations: “Our tradition has always been about embracing grandeur, stardom, and providing unique experiences, and ‘Housefull 5’ pushes that to new heights.

Recently, the Hindi-language Bollywood industry has faced a bit of a slump at the box office. However, in the past few weeks, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the strong performances of “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” “Raid 2,” “Kesari Chapter 2” and “Jaat.” These films have partially restored my faith in the industry.

With the upcoming launch of “Housefull 5” on June 6, everyone is eager to find out if having multiple endings will offer the unique cinematic experience that traditional movie theaters require amidst the growing dominance of digital entertainment. The outcome could significantly influence how Indian commercial films engage with their audiences in the streaming era.

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2025-05-30 12:47