Hisaab Barabar, starring R. Madhavan, attempts to blend social commentary with humor, but does it manage to strike the right balance? Let’s dive into the movie and see if it adds up to a worthwhile watch.
Rating: 3/5 ⭐
Movie Overview
Hisaab Barabar is a Hindi-language satirical action-comedy film that premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India in Goa on November 26, 2024, and was released on January 24, 2025, on ZEE5.
Directed by Ashwni Dhir and produced by Jio Studios and SP Cinecorp, the movie stars R. Madhavan in the lead role, alongside Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari, Rashami Desai, and Faisal Rashid. The film runs for 1 hour and 51 minutes and is available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu audio languages.
The Plot: When a Small Discrepancy Uncovers a Big Scam
Radhe Mohan Sharma (R. Madhavan), a diligent railway ticket examiner, lives a simple life with his son. His world revolves around numbers and ensuring everything is balanced, a trait stemming from his past as a chartered accountancy aspirant. One day, Radhe notices a minor discrepancy of ₹27.50 in his bank account.
What starts as a simple quest to rectify the error soon spirals into the discovery of a massive financial fraud orchestrated by influential banker Micky Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh). As Radhe delves deeper, he encounters corruption, bureaucracy, and personal challenges. The film portrays his struggle to navigate this complex web while upholding his moral principles. Along the way, he finds an unlikely ally in Inspector Poonam Joshi (Kirti Kulhari), who adds a romantic subplot to the mix.
Cast
- R. Madhavan as Radhe Mohan Sharma
- Neil Nitin Mukesh as Micky Mehta
- Kirti Kulhari as Inspector Poonam Joshi
- Rashami Desai as Monalisa Yadav
The Message
Hisaab Barabar attempts to highlight the prevalence of financial fraud and corruption in the banking sector, which seems negligible at first but turned out to be a huge scam at a bigger scale. It aims to champion the spirit of the common man who dares to stand up against a corrupt system. The film also touches on the importance of relationships while conveying the message that not everything in life can be resolved with numbers.
R. Madhavan: The Saving Grace?
Many critics agree that R. Madhavan delivers a sincere performance as the principled Radhe Mohan Sharma. His portrayal of an honest man fighting against all odds is commendable. However, some argue that even Madhavan’s earnest efforts couldn’t salvage the film from its shortcomings.
Hits and Misses Here’s a quick rundown of what works and what doesn’t in Hisaab Barabar:
| Aspect | Hits | Misses |
|---|---|---|
| Performances | R. Madhavan’s sincere portrayal of the protagonist. | Supporting cast performances are okay at best, with poorly written characters. |
| Premise | The initial plot of a common man uncovering a large-scale financial fraud is promising. | The film struggles to find a consistent tone, wavering between hard-hitting drama and light satire. |
| Social Message | Highlights the importance of financial responsibility and ethical practices. | The film’s message is hammered in, with excessive use of the phrase “Hisaab Barabar,” making the social commentary painfully obvious. |
Drunken Tailor Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
Hisaab Barabar had the potential to be a compelling social drama, but it falls short due to inconsistent execution and weak writing. While R. Madhavan delivers a commendable performance, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone and often resorts to heavy-handed messaging.
If you’re a die-hard R. Madhavan fan (R. Madhavan movies), you might find some enjoyment in his performance. However, if you’re looking for a tightly woven, gripping thriller, you might want to adjust your expectations. Rating:
Final Thoughts: A Case of Unbalanced Execution
Hisaab Barabar attempts to deliver a message about fighting corruption and upholding ethical values, but its inconsistent execution ultimately undermines its impact. While the film has its moments, it fails to leave a lasting impression. It’s a one-time watch at best, leaving you wanting more depth and nuance.
Where to Watch: Hisaab Barabar is currently streaming on ZEE5.
