‘Housefull 5’, ‘Sikandar’, ‘Nadaaniyan’: 2025 films that struggled to make an impact at the box office

Continuing a long-running franchise, ‘Housefull 5’ relied heavily on ensemble comedy and exaggerated situations. While the film performed commercially, audience feedback remained divided. Many viewers pointed to an overdependence on slapstick humour at the expense of story logic. The narrative progression appeared secondary to individual gags and set pieces. Despite its box office numbers, the film did not significantly elevate the franchise’s creative standing.

Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’ was expected to deliver a mass-action entertainer but received a muted response from viewers. While the film included action sequences and familiar genre elements, it was criticised for lacking emotional engagement and narrative coherence. Audiences noted repetition of tropes commonly seen in earlier films. The storyline did not offer sufficient novelty to stand out. As a result, the film struggled to generate sustained excitement.

‘Nadaaniyan’ marked the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor and generated attention prior to its release. However, the film struggled to make a strong impression due to weak writing and uneven performances. The storyline failed to offer depth or originality, limiting its appeal beyond initial curiosity. The film quickly became a subject of online discussion for reasons unrelated to its narrative strengths. As a debut project, it faced difficulties establishing credibility with audiences.

Starring Ram Charan and directed by Shankar, ‘Game Changer’ arrived with significant expectations due to the combination of star power and scale. However, audiences found the narrative difficult to engage with, citing an inconsistent storyline and uneven pacing. While the film featured grand visuals and large set pieces, the storytelling struggled to maintain focus. The film’s attempt to blend multiple themes resulted in a viewing experience that many found disjointed. As a result, it did not achieve the impact anticipated from the collaboration.

‘Emergency’ featured Kangana Ranaut in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with the actor also serving as director and producer. The film aimed to depict a crucial political period in Indian history but received mixed reactions for its presentation. Viewers noted an emphasis on dramatization over narrative subtlety. The storytelling approach and dialogue-heavy sequences limited audience engagement. Consequently, the film struggled to resonate widely despite its historical subject matter.

Positioned as a chaotic comedy, ‘Mere Husband Ki Biwi’ starred Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, and Bhumi Pednekar. The film attempted to rely on slapstick humor and fast-paced situations but faced criticism for its scattered plot. Audience feedback highlighted a lack of narrative direction and inconsistent character development. While some performances stood out individually, the overall structure failed to hold together. The film’s humour-driven approach did not translate into sustained audience interest.