Tarun Mansukhani 'If They’re Trolling, It Means Housefull 5 Matters

Fired-up social media mobs could seem like a wholly insurmountable diversion, as director Tarun Mansukhani recently defended trolling criticism faced by Housefull 5 all over social media, claiming that even trolling, if it’s talking, they care, and attention is what the audience ever. Once released, the film was criticised for its portrayal of women and frequent use of double entendres.

The director notes that scrutiny only happens when a film resonates with audiences

For Tarun Mansukhani, greater scrutiny is the name of the game in today’s cinematic landscape. Online critics accused the brand’s comedy of undermining women’s empowerment and of being sexist and objectifying. Housefull 5 is smashing all box-office records. Despite the film’s disastrous publicity and a drawn-out ugliness surrounding the film’s sexism, the multi-star cast of Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, and others held the film at box-office supremacy. Mansukhani, who directed back-to-back chartbusters like Dostana and the love story-thriller Drive, well understood that audience response, good or bad, means you are relevant. 

He adds that social media debate reflects engagement even amid sexist criticism

'Housefull 5's success isn't just measured by box office numbers, but by the conversations it sparks online. Social media buzz has become a key indicator of a film's impact, with engagement being the true measure of its resonance.'