Director Tarun Manshukhani's Housefull 5, which has an ensemble cast, traded fairly at the Indian box office. After a healthy run, IBNS looks back at the interaction of the Housefull 5 team members with the media on the latest installment of the comedy franchise... Excerpts...

Q (to Akshay Kumar): How do you view a slapstick film in today's time?

A. Frankly, slapstick comedy is very difficult. We have mixed slapstick with action comedy in Housefull 5. It is a physical comedy. I am a huge fan of Charlie Chaplin and his brand of comedy. So Housefull 5 comprises that kind of comic element. Unfortunately, this kind of comedy doesn't get much recognition. It's very difficult to make people laugh when it comes to physical or slapstick comedy.

(Q to Nana Patekar): You have been a part of several franchise films. What made you agree to do this film?

A. See a lot depends on who is directing a film. Secondly, money matters (smiles). I was satisfied with both the director and remuneration as well as the role, which is brilliant.

A dance sequence in the film. Photo: Nadiadwala Grandson/X

Q (to Riteish Deshmukh): Why do you think the audience keeps coming back to this franchise even after so many installments?

A. We never thought Housefull would become a franchise when we did the first installment. But Sajid Nadiadwala came up with a new script and eventually the sequels were being made. The love from the audience has been immense for this franchise and that's the reason we are back. We hope to return with part six.

Q (to Soundarya Sharma): Tell us how was your first day on the set and who made you laugh the loudest?

A. I am truly grateful and privileged to be sharing the screen space with all the stalwarts. It's an amazing opportunity. I feel truly blessed. From the first day, I felt like we were on a picnic as everybody was so warm and welcoming. I never for a moment felt like this was my first big film and an opportunity. I am grateful to everyone who made me feel like I am being a part of this project and so respectful. I had so much to learn from.

Q (to Abhishek Bachchan): How was your experience of reuniting with Tarun Mansukhani?

A. I loved it. Tarun is family to me. Both of us have known each other since we were 16. I had the pleasure of being in his first film, Dostana. It's always wonderful working with him. It is a holiday for me because I know Tarun is going to take care of everything.
I am just so happy that he is back to working because he is an amazing talent. I don't think anybody is better than him in this genre and I mean this with humility and respect to all the other makers. I really hope Tarun continues to work a lot more frequently.

'Housefull 5' team at an airport. Photo: Nadiadwala Grandson/X

Housefull is like a homecoming for me. All the cast members are my friends. It feels nice to go on a set which is happy, loving and collaborating. It was my sheer pleasure.

(Q to Fardeen Khan): You have returned to films after a hiatus. How does it feel to receive love for the kind of roles you are choosing on your comeback?

A. It feels like a second coming when I think of my coming back. But I am grateful for the kind of love, respect and appreciation I have received from my colleagues. One can't simply plan a comeback after 12 years. I just prepared for it. All I knew was that acting was something which I was capable of doing, I had missed being on set and being a part of telling stories, the connection that takes place between people I work with at a very human level and that is very special and exclusive to this profession.

This is going to be my fourth release in just over a year and to have it with Housefull 5, which is the greatest and most successful comedy franchise in the history of Hindi films, is like the celebration of this process or comeback.

Having said that, I am just extremely grateful to all those who believed in me and gave me an opportunity to work with this kind of talent. This is the second time I have worked with Sajid and it felt very much at home.