Hisaab Barabar Review: A Thought-Provoking Premise Let Down By Flawed Execution

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hisaab barabar

Satirical dramas exploring financial corruption have often struck a chord with audiences, particularly in a country like India, where banking scams have affected countless citizens. Hisaab Barabar, directed by Ashwani Dhir and featuring R Madhavan in the lead, promises to delve into the murky world of financial fraud through the eyes of a common man. However, while the film carries an engaging premise and a well-intentioned message, it struggles to maintain consistency due to weak execution and lackluster production values.

Now streaming on ZEE5, does Hisaab Barabar make an impact, or does it fail to leave a lasting impression? Let’s break it down.

Film Overview

  • Title: Hisaab Barabar

  • Director: Ashwani Dhir
  • Cast: R Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Rashami Desai, Kirti Kulhari, Manu Rishi Chadhha
  • Genre: Satirical Drama, Thriller
  • Rating: 2.5/5

Plot Summary

The story of Hisaab Barabar revolves around Radhe Mohan Sharma (R Madhavan), an honest ticket examiner for Indian Railways and a single father. Once a Chartered Accountant (CA) aspirant, Radhe has an innate knack for numbers. His seemingly uneventful life takes a drastic turn when he notices a minor discrepancy in his bank’s interest payment—a meager Rs 27.50. While most would dismiss it as an insignificant error, Radhe, driven by his principles, decides to file a formal complaint.

hisaab barabar

What begins as a simple inquiry quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Radhe stumbles upon a massive banking scam orchestrated by Mickey Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a corrupt businessman with deep political connections. With the powerful Minister Dayal (Manu Rishi Chadhha) backing Mehta’s illicit activities, Radhe realizes that he has unintentionally stepped into a dangerous world where whistleblowers are silenced, and justice is a mere illusion.

Determined to expose the corruption, Radhe embarks on a perilous journey to fight against a rigged system. Will he manage to bring the truth to light, or will he become yet another victim of institutionalized fraud?

What Works for Hisaab Barabar

At its core, Hisaab Barabar presents a compelling premise that resonates deeply with audiences familiar with financial mismanagement and systemic corruption. The film effectively highlights the frustrations of common citizens who are often powerless in the face of corporate and political malfeasance. Here’s what works:

  1. Relevant Social Commentary – The film taps into public grievances regarding financial fraud, making the narrative relatable and timely. The plot’s foundation has the potential to be impactful.
  2. R Madhavan’s Convincing Performance – Madhavan anchors the film with a sincere and nuanced portrayal of Radhe. His transformation from an ordinary railway officer to a determined whistleblower feels authentic.
  3. Pacing and Runtime – The film maintains a crisp runtime, ensuring that it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
  4. Engaging First Half – The initial buildup, where Radhe begins to uncover the fraud, is intriguing and keeps the audience invested.

hisaab barabar

What Doesn’t Work for Hisaab Barabar

Despite its strong foundation, Hisaab Barabar falters due to inconsistent storytelling and subpar technical execution. Here’s where the film falls short:

  • Clichéd Narrative Approach – The film follows a predictable David vs. Goliath structure, failing to introduce any fresh perspective to the genre.
  • Weak Antagonist Development – Mickey Mehta, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh, is written as a one-dimensional villain. His comedic approach to villainy makes him feel more like a caricature rather than a genuine threat.
  • Lackluster Production Values – The visual appeal of the film is unimpressive, with below-average cinematography and production design that fail to match the gravity of the subject matter.
  • Underutilized Supporting Cast – While Kirti Kulhari, Rashami Desai, and Manu Rishi Chadhha deliver competent performances, their characters lack the depth needed to make a significant impact.
  • Missed Opportunity for a Sharper Satire – Given its premise, the film had the potential to be a sharp-witted satire. However, it shies away from taking a bold stance, leading to a narrative that feels half-hearted.

Performances: The Saving Grace

  • R Madhavan remains the highlight of Hisaab Barabar. His performance exudes sincerity, making Radhe’s struggles feel personal and compelling. His ability to switch between subtle humor and intense determination keeps the audience engaged.
  • Neil Nitin Mukesh is energetic but let down by the film’s inconsistent tonality. His portrayal of Mickey Mehta lacks the depth needed to be an intimidating antagonist.
  • Kirti Kulhari and Rashami Desai deliver decent performances but are not given much room to shine.
  • Manu Rishi Chadhha, as the corrupt politician, plays his part well, though his character falls into predictable tropes.

Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

Hisaab Barabar sets out to tell an important story but falters in execution. While the film’s intention to shed light on financial corruption is commendable, it never fully realizes its potential due to a weak script, underwhelming visuals, and lack of originality.

hisaab barabar

R Madhavan’s stellar performance keeps the film from being completely forgettable, but the overall experience leaves much to be desired. With a more refined screenplay, stronger character development, and sharper social critique, Hisaab Barabar could have been a standout satirical drama. Instead, it remains a film that, while watchable, fails to leave a lasting impact.

Rating: 2.5/5 – A promising idea weighed down by flawed execution.

Now streaming on ZEE5. Have you watched Hisaab Barabar? Share your thoughts!

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