The trailer of Mastiii 4, the latest instalment in the long-running adult comedy franchise, has sparked a lively debate online. Starring Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani in their familiar roles, the film promises a return to the mischievous energy that defined the original Masti (2004). However, reactions across social media have swung sharply between excitement and criticism, creating a split that reflects changing audience expectations for humour in mainstream cinema.
The film is directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, who has co-written the screenplay to recreate the chemistry and over-the-top antics associated with the franchise. The trailer hints at flirting, marital chaos, innuendo-driven jokes and a series of misunderstandings that push the trio into humorous trouble — a format the series is known for. The movie is slated for release on 21 November 2025.
Nostalgia and reunion energy
For many viewers, the biggest draw is the reunion of the trio. Fans of the earlier films expressed delight at seeing Riteish, Vivek and Aftab share screen space again. Several social media posts celebrated the memory of watching Masti during their teenage or college years, associating it with carefree humour and camaraderie.
Posts praising the trailer described it as “classic naughty fun”, calling the actors’ timing and banter the highlight. A number of users also said the chaotic, loud humour of the film feels intentionally exaggerated in a way that suits the franchise’s identity. For them, Mastiii 4 marks the return of a form of comedy that Bollywood has mostly moved away from in recent years.
Criticism: “fun or just forced?”
On the other side, criticism has been sharp. Many users called the humour outdated, stating that while the original Masti was playful in tone, the new film appears to rely heavily on double-meaning jokes and exaggerated suggestive scenes that feel “overdone”.
A commonly voiced sentiment was that the jokes seemed predictable and failed to match the freshness that made the first film enjoyable for its era. Some users argued that adult comedies today require sharper writing and better story structure to avoid sliding into superficial punchline humour.
Others remarked that sensibilities have changed over time, and what once felt bold or cheeky now risks being perceived as unnecessary or loud. Comparisons to newer comedy content available across OTT platforms were also frequent, with some viewers noting that humour audiences consume today is more diverse and layered.
The evolving landscape of comedy
The mixed reactions underline a broader shift in how Indian audiences engage with comedy. Over the last decade, exposure to stand-up, situational humour, character-driven satire and international entertainment has widened what viewers consider funny.
Adult comedy, once limited largely to double-entendre dialogues and slapstick visual gags, now competes with forms of humour that are more subtle or socially aware. To succeed today, filmmakers must often balance nostalgia with reinvention — a challenge not all comedy franchises navigate equally.
If Mastiii 4 leans too heavily on the template of earlier films without bringing new comic energy or narrative novelty, it may risk resonating only with a specific segment of fans.
What to expect ahead
With promotional material now drawing attention and conversation, the film is likely to attract strong initial curiosity. The real test will unfold post-release, when audience feedback and word-of-mouth determine whether the humour still connects.
For now, the trailer has succeeded in getting people talking — and that, in Bollywood’s publicity-driven environment, is a significant step.