Explore our review of Hisaab Barabar, directed by Ashwni Dhir. R. Madhavan shines in a tale of financial fraud, while the film struggles with tonal shifts and underdeveloped subplots.
Ashwni Dhir’s Hisaab Barabar offers an intriguing mix of drama, satire, and motivation. The film begins as a thoughtful exploration of a financial anomaly, then shifts into sharp commentary, only to end on a motivational note. While the film’s tonal changes sometimes feel clumsy, the performance of R. Madhavan as Radhe Mohan Sharma manages to keep the narrative grounded. Let’s take a closer look at how Hisaab Barabar blends entertainment with messages of morality and corruption.
A Simple Start, But A Complex Journey:
At its core, Hisaab Barabar revolves around Radhe Mohan Sharma (R. Madhavan), a dedicated railway ticket examiner who stumbles upon a small discrepancy in his bank account. This seemingly insignificant error escalates into a massive financial scam orchestrated by the shady banker, Micky Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh). While the story is straightforward, Dhir’s screenplay gives it depth by pitting Radhe—a simple man with a strong moral compass—against the corrupt forces represented by Mehta.
R. Madhavan’s Impactful Performance:
R. Madhavan’s portrayal of Radhe is one of the film's strongest points. The actor brings a quiet charm and a sense of determination to his character, making Radhe an everyman whom audiences can root for. His unwavering sense of justice creates a relatable hero who drives the film forward. Madhavan’s nuanced performance elevates the material, even when the story’s tonal shifts threaten to derail it.
Neil Nitin Mukesh as the Villain:
Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the antagonist, Micky Mehta, with a dramatic flair that at times borders on over-the-top. His portrayal veers between exaggerated villainy and sinister menace, often adding a theatrical quality to the film. While his performance can feel somewhat out of place, it provides an interesting contrast to Madhavan’s grounded Radhe. Their confrontations, though occasionally implausible, are among the most dynamic moments of the film.
Supporting Characters: Underutilized Potential:
Kirti Kulhari’s role as Inspector Poonam Joshi offers a strong presence but is hampered by an unnecessary romantic subplot. While Kulhari is an engaging actor, her character doesn’t get the depth it deserves, and her narrative arc feels disconnected from the main plot. Rashami Desai as Monalisa brings some comic relief, but her character feels more like a decoration than a fully developed part of the story. These underdeveloped side roles hold the film back from achieving its full potential.
Tonal Shifts and Narrative Pacing:
One of the more significant issues with Hisaab Barabar is its handling of tonal transitions. The film moves from a contemplative drama to sharp social commentary, and then towards a motivational climax. This shift feels somewhat forced, especially towards the end, where the film takes a more motivational tone that doesn’t quite match the tension built earlier. The abrupt change in direction can feel jarring for viewers who were invested in the more subtle exploration of corruption and systemic failures.
Dialogue and Themes:
The film's dialogues are sharp and accessible, delivering its message about the dangers of ethical compromise in a simple yet effective manner. Through its light-hearted tone, Hisaab Barabar addresses serious themes like corruption, greed, and the everyday struggles of the common man. However, this balance between light-heartedness and depth doesn’t always land, as some of the themes are over-explained, diminishing their impact. Despite this, the film succeeds in its central aim: to highlight the way small moral compromises can snowball into significant failures.
Conclusion: Hisaab Barabar is an ambitious film that attempts to weave together satire, suspense, and motivational drama. While it doesn’t always execute its tonal shifts smoothly, the film’s core message about corruption and integrity remains relevant. R. Madhavan’s strong performance as Radhe anchors the film, making it a watchable experience despite its flaws. Ultimately, the film succeeds in conveying the struggles of an ordinary man against powerful forces, even if its delivery is a bit uneven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is Hisaab Barabar about? Hisaab Barabar follows Radhe Mohan Sharma, a railway ticket examiner, who uncovers a financial scam involving a corrupt banker. The film explores themes of morality, systemic corruption, and the personal journey of an ordinary man fighting against the odds.
2. Who stars in Hisaab Barabar? The film stars R. Madhavan as Radhe Mohan Sharma, Neil Nitin Mukesh as the antagonist Micky Mehta, Kirti Kulhari as Inspector Poonam Joshi, and Rashami Desai as Monalisa.
3. What are the strengths of Hisaab Barabar? The film’s main strength lies in R. Madhavan’s performance, which adds emotional depth to the story. The film also effectively highlights important themes of corruption and the everyday struggles of common people.
4. Are there any weaknesses in the film? While the film’s message is strong, its tonal shifts and occasional melodrama can feel jarring. Some characters, like Inspector Poonam Joshi, are underutilized, and the plot sometimes feels over-explained, diminishing its impact.
5. Is Hisaab Barabar worth watching? Despite its flaws, Hisaab Barabar is an engaging watch for those who appreciate films that mix social commentary with personal drama. Madhavan’s performance is a highlight, making the film worthwhile for his fans.