DNA India found the movie funny, loud and entertaining, saying Akshay Kumar and the ensemble deliver a stressbuster despite the film’s over-the-top tone.

Hindustan Times said Akshay Kumar’s comic timing lifts parts of the sinking cruise entertainer, while the climax helps make up for some of the film’s flaws.

Koimoi slammed the movie as a torture-level "brainrot" cringefest, criticizing the illogical plot, double-meaning jokes, objectification and wasted ensemble cast.

BollywoodLife called the movie high on chaos but short on comedy, saying the film is not entirely unbearable but works only in patches as a loud ensemble entertainer.

Pinkvilla said the film stays true to the franchise’s madcap expectations, scoring with scale, cast and songs, though crude humour, inconsistent comedy and long runtime hurt it.

Bollywood Hungama called it a paisa vasool “killer comedy” that works because of its performances and climax, even with the franchise’s usual chaotic silliness.

News18 said Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan try hard to keep the comedy afloat, but the plot struggles and several jokes run dry despite the film’s glossy look.

Filmibeat said Akshay Kumar stands out, but the film fails as comedy; the murder mystery keeps some interest alive, though the humour feels forced and outdated.

Times of India said Housefull 5 mistakes noise for humour, with Nana Patekar’s extended cameo mildly helping an otherwise derailed cruise comedy.

India TV News said the Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh starrer delivers some laughs, some lag, and a surprising climax, but remains uneven overall.