R. Madhavan Shines in “Hisaab Barabar”: A Deep Dive into the Satirical Drama

Hisaab Barabar reminds me the bustling heart of Delhi, where the rhythmic clatter of trains mirrors the city’s relentless pace, Radhe Mohan Sharma meticulously checks tickets, his keen eyes missing nothing. R. Madhavan this time seen as a senior ticket examiner with a passion for numbers. Radhe’s life takes an unexpected turn when a minor discrepancy in his bank account unveils a labyrinth of financial deceit and thus, it becomes eye openers of many indian middle-class people. This is what is all about the movie “Hisaab Barabar,” and game started. A 2024 satirical drama directed by Ashwni Dhir, featuring the versatile R. Madhavan in the lead role. The film, streaming on ZEE5, has sparked extensive discussions among Indian movie and web series enthusiasts, particularly regarding its portrayal of systemic corruption and the common man’s fight against it.

Hisaab Barabar Review

“Hisaab Barabar” centers on Radhe Mohan Sharma, a single parent, skillfully portrayed by R. Madhavan, a diligent railway ticket examiner who stumbles upon a minor deduction of Rs. 27.50 from his bank account. This seemingly insignificant amount propels him into a battle against a colossal banking scam orchestrated by the unscrupulous bank owner, Micky Mehta, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh. He was the perfect villain for this role and did very well. The film revolves around the financial fraud, adding some spice of love and comedy. The movie highlights it’s systemic corruption, and the resilience of the common man.

Indian critics have offered a spectrum of insights into “Hisaab Barabar,” highlighting both its strengths and areas where it falters.

The Indian Express critic Shubhra Gupta notes that while the film’s premise holds promise, its execution appears “contrived and clunky.” She points out that the narrative loses momentum, especially with the introduction of Neil Nitin Mukesh‘s character, whose portrayal she describes as over-the-top and lacking subtlety. This shift detracts from the film’s initial engaging setup, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. on the top of that, it does not link to the plot at all, unlike many other characters.

Similarly, Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV observes that the film “vacillates between the mildly droll and the stodgily solemn,” suggesting an inconsistency in tone that hampers its overall impact. Despite R. Madhavan’s earnest performance, the film struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative, oscillating between satire and drama without fully committing to either.

On a more positive note, The Times of India acknowledges the film’s attempt to shed light on pertinent social issues, particularly the exploitation within banking systems. However, the review also mentions that while the intention is commendable, the storytelling and execution do not consistently support the weight of the subject matter, resulting in a film that is informative yet not as engaging as it could be.

Despite the mixed reviews of Hisaab Barabar, regarding the film’s overall execution, R. Madhavan’s portrayal of Radhe has been consistently praised. His ability to embody the everyman, bringing depth and relatability to the character, stands out as a highlight. Madhavan’s nuanced performance adds a layer of authenticity, making Radhe’s journey compelling even when the script wavers. His dedication to the role underscores his versatility and commitment to bringing socially relevant stories to the forefront of Indian cinema. Therefore, other supporting characters like, Rashmi Desai who adds some glamour to it and tried to balance the stress and tension from the lead role. While, on the other hand, inspector Kirti Kulhari adds depth to the story in terms of love and betrayal. Jitender Hooda did excellent work as a supporting role, his low yet effective humour in story improves the plot of the story.

Trailer

Conclusion

“Hisaab Barabar” endeavors to tackle significant issues of financial corruption and the individual’s fight against systemic malpractices that is being highlighted in the movie. While the film’s execution has received mixed responses from critics, R. Madhavan’s compelling performance offers a redeeming facet to the narrative. As the landscape of Indian cinema continues to evolve, films like “Hisaab Barabar” contribute to the ongoing discourse on societal issues, prompting audiences to reflect on the pervasive challenges within systems meant to serve them. Have you watched “Hisaab Barabar”? What are your thoughts on its portrayal of financial deceit and the common man’s resilience?