India, June 13 -- Akshay Kumar-led ensemble comedy Housefull 5 has capitalised on a strong start at the box office to end its first week within touching distance of Rs.200 crore globally. The film, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, defied middling reviews and criticism of sexism in the plot, to do well at the box office. But despite its high collections, Housefull 5's exorbitant budget raises some doubts about its profitability. (Also read: Housefull 5 box office collection day 6: Akshay Kumar film marches on, beats Salman's Sikandar lifetime in under a week)

Housefull 5 has earned Rs.127 crore net in India (and Rs.152 crore gross) in its first seven days at the box office. This makes it the third highest grossing Hindi film of the year. Add...