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While 'Housefull 5' continues to soar at the box office, the film has sparked a debate on social media, with many criticising its portrayal of women. The loudest voices have called out the movie for objectifying its female characters, with actress Soundarya Sharma becoming the target of online trolling for participating in what some called “a skin show”.

Soundarya Sharma trolled

Soundarya’s role in the film has attracted particular attention, with critics slamming her appearance as that of an “eye candy” rather than a character with substance. Several online users have also drawn comparisons between Housefull 5 and adult comedies like 'Grand Masti', citing dialogues filled with sexual innuendos and vulgar jokes.

Tarun Mansukhani Responds to Backlash

Director Tarun Mansukhani, however, remains unfazed by the wave of dissent. Speaking to News18, he took a more optimistic stance: “I feel like that there’s 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 isn’t working at all… So, when people are making noise about my film, I actually feel very happy about it."

Dismissing the criticism of objectification, he added, “It means that they’re watching it with a certain eye and sensibility… For those who’re calling it out, I want to say that it’s your choice of seeing and focusing on that aspect of the film."

Tarun was quick to defend the female characters in the movie. He pointed out that their roles were pivotal to the storyline and not merely ornamental. “It’s Sonam (Bajwa) who backstabs Riteish (Deshmukh) and helps further the plot… There’s a Soundarya who’s equal parts a suspect in this entire thing because she’s busy transferring funds into an offshore account."

According to him, the film's narrative is actively propelled by its women characters rather than sidelined by them.

Housefull 5 plot

The director also offered perspective on the male characters in the film. “They aren’t placid characters. In a murder mystery, nobody is a good person… One may choose to see a sexist side to it but I feel that I’ve done a lot more,” he stated.

Acknowledging that viewers are entitled to their opinion, Tarun concluded, “When they see it, it’s the audience’s choice to focus on whichever aspect they want to."

Despite the controversy, 'Housefull 5' continues its strong theatrical run, sparking conversation, for better or worse, along the way.