Tarun Mansukhani

Director Tarun Mansukhani has finally broken his silence on the criticism surrounding Housefull 5 , especially the trolling it has received on social media for objectifying women and excessive skin show. In an exclusive conversation with News18, the filmmaker addressed the backlash, asserting that the very fact people are discussing the film means they are engaging with it. #Housefull 5 Tarun Mansukhani reacts to Housefull 5 trolling: If theyre talking, it means they care I feel like that theres a lot of scrutiny on social media. I also believe that scrutiny tends to only happen on successful films. You tend to keep quiet if a film isnt working at all. Thats when no one has any opinion and they dont say anything. So, when people are making noise about my film, I actually feel very happy about it," he said. Mansukhani, known for his nuanced storytelling in past ventures, maintained that he values audience feedback. He emphasized that viewers have every right to voice their opinions after investing time and money into watching a film. It means that theyre watching it with a certain eye and sensibility. You can scrutinise it. Thats fine. Youve paid money to watch it and so, you get to have an opinion on my film. Its not a placid film about which you dont care or have an opinion. For those whore calling it out, I want to say that its your choice of seeing and focusing on that aspect of the film," he added. Defending the narrative arc and character depth, Mansukhani revealed that contrary to the perception of the film being male dominated, the women in Housefull 5 play a pivotal role in shaping the plot. Akshay decides to play Jolly and he comes to know that theres a missing son. So, he hires the character of Nargis (Fakhri) and asks him to join him on this search. One thing leads to another and they decide to backstab together. Its Sonam (Bajwa) who backstabs Riteish (Deshmukh) and helps further the plot, that in turn helps bring a third Jolly. The actual plot is driven by women to get the money. Theres a Soundarya whos equal parts a suspect in this entire thing because shes busy transferring funds into an offshore account." With this clarification, Tarun Mansukhani hopes viewers will look beyond the surface and appreciate the layered storytelling in Housefull 5.