Exclusive - Tarun Mansukhani on his BIG comeback with Housefull 5: 'Scoring a century after 17 years feels fantastic'

Tarun Mansukhani directed Housefull 5

Tarun Mansukhani is back in the director’s chair after 17 long years, and he’s celebrating the box office success of Housefull 5.

Housefull 5, the latest installment in the popular comedy franchise, is doing well despite mixed reviews from critics. It has already collected Rs 120 crore in India and continues to draw crowds.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Tarun Mansukhani opened up about his return to direction and the joy of seeing his film succeed.

“It’s been a big change because technically it’s been about 17 years since my film has come back to a theater... And to be able to score a century when you come back after 17 years, it just feels extremely fantastic... So after 17 years, I’m just feeling fantastic,” he said with a wide smile.

Also Read: Housefull 5 Movie Review: Akshay Kumar leads another slapstick comedy that confuses absurdity with entertainment

No pressure handling a huge cast

The film features a huge ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Nana Patekar, Jacqueline Fernandes, Sonam Bajwa, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt and many more. But for Tarun, handling such a large team wasn’t a problem.

“Honestly, I didn’t have that much of an issue with the 19 people on set because I’ve worked enough now as an assistant director, at least with big stars... A day prior to the film's shoot I made these 19 people sit at the same table with me and read out the whole script to them,” he said.

He added that because everyone was well-prepared, there was no confusion on set.

“So, everyone kind of knew exactly what everyone else was also doing... I don’t think they had any kind of insecurity after that to figure out what they were doing.”

Already planning to direct the next one

Even as Housefull 5 continues to run in cinemas, Tarun is already thinking ahead. He says now he doesn't want to waste another 17 years to make his next movie.

Also Read: There was no ego clash with Aamir Khan: Sitaare Zameen Par director R S Prasanna - Exclusive

“Friday, we released the film; Sunday, I came into office... I met Sir (Sajid Nadiadwala), and I said, ‘I need to talk to you now for the second one.’ He was like, ‘Just relax.’ So, I’m all gung-ho and ready to go for the next,” he laughed.

Two Different Climaxes for Housefull 5? A 30-year-old idea

One unique feature of Housefull 5 is its two different climaxes shown in different theaters. The film released with Housefull 5 A and B in theatres, Tarun revealed it was producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s long-standing idea.

“That was actually Sajid sir’s idea... he always wanted for an experience to happen where... you’re seeing two different things altogether. So that was a great idea,” he added.

Tarun’s earlier films, Dostana and The Drive, were made under Dharma Productions. This is his first time working with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

“I’ve enjoyed the benevolence of both the producers. There was nothing that was said no to me. So, for me, it just felt like, somebody’s looking out for me.”

He was all praise for Akshay Kumar and said: "I loved the fact of how punctual he is, how professional he is. He is so clear about everything in his life, how fit he is. I've never had an occasion when an assistant director has gone to his van, knocked on the door and said, sir, we are ready for the short. And before she can finish her sentence, he has gotten up and come out of the van. You don't get that kind of excitement anyone else."

"I think half my pace on this film was because you get to finish it early also. You get to finish fast and you don't leave the momentum for anyone to get bored or to have gossip and conversations," he added.

Passion for new genres

Although the film is a comedy, Tarun said he was more excited about the mystery element in Housefull 5. He also wants to try out different genres in the future.

“As a director, I always want to try and do something that challenges me... The comedy was not the exciting part. For me, it was always the murder mystery.”

Tarun said since he has gone through a difficult time in his life, he believes that even simple laughter can help people forget their problems.

“I don’t know what somebody else might be going through; they come in to watch a film and they laugh... and they go out. It might have done a lot for them.”

Tarun says he’d love to explore more genres—maybe even horror or action.

“I would love to try things that I have never, never done before. So, between action or horror film, I don’t know; let’s see where it goes.”

He credits his family and close friends for helping him stay strong during the tough years.