Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar pulled off a surprising and clever move just days after the release of his latest film, Housefull 5. On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the actor disguised himself in a shiny silver “killer” mask and quietly slipped into a theatre in Bandra, Mumbai, to watch his own movie—alongside an unsuspecting audience.
The film, which hit theatres on June 6, had already stirred curiosity with its unique offering of two alternate endings—versions 5A and 5B—shown at different locations. But what truly captured public attention was Akshay’s bold attempt to experience firsthand how viewers were reacting. Wearing the metallic mask and a casual hoodie, he managed to remain incognito for most of the screening, even engaging in short conversations with viewers about the film once it ended.
In a light-hearted video posted on Instagram, Akshay shared a montage of his undercover operation. “Pakda jaane wala thaa end mein but bhaag gaya us se pehle. Mast experience,” he joked—revealing that he nearly got recognized, but escaped in time. The clip shows snippets of genuine feedback from audience members who had no clue they were talking to the film’s lead himself. Comments poured in online, with fans praising both his dedication and sense of humor. One user wrote, “Only AK sir can pull this off!” while another noted, “No cuts in the video, pure public review.”
The film itself has had a solid start at the box office, raking in ₹55 crore net within just the first two days. Viewers have been divided, though. While many are applauding Akshay’s comic timing and the film’s surprise twist endings, others feel the plot leans heavily on recycled slapstick and adult humor. Still, the gimmick of alternate endings has intrigued many and sparked debates about which version was better.
With Housefull 5, Akshay Kumar proves yet again that he’s not only a crowd-puller but also someone deeply invested in how that crowd responds. Whether he’s lighting up the screen or slipping into the shadows with a mask on, his instinct to stay connected with audiences continues to set him apart in an industry that often remains behind a velvet rope.
