Hisaab Barabar Review: Madhavan Is The Only Saving Grace In A Film That Fumbles With Its Promising Premise

R Madhavan delivers a fine performance in Hisaab Barabar as Radhe Mohan, a ticket checker uncovering a financial scam.

R Madhavan in a still from the film.

Hisaab Barabar Review: R Madhavan’s Hisaab Barabar ambitiously sets out to tackle financial fraud but stumbles in its execution. While making a film about systemic corruption and fraud demands extensive research and narrative depth, Ashwani Dhir’s Hisaab Barabar feels like a hastily put-together effort that relies almost entirely on its lead actor’s capabilities.

Madhavan plays Radhe Mohan, a humble ticket checker with a knack for numbers. Whether it’s filing tax returns for friends or spotting errors in bank accounts, Radhe’s proficiency is top-notch. However, his personal life is in shambles — his wife has left him and he juggles his responsibilities as a single father while navigating his struggles. Madhavan, a brilliant actor, with his quiet ability to blend vulnerability and determination with ease, carries the film with his effortless acting.

The story kicks off with a minor Rs 27.50 discrepancy in Radhe’s bank account, which sets off the discovery of a massive financial scam led by Mickey Mehta (Neel Nitin Mukesh), a morally bankrupt banker. Neel does a competent job portraying the slick, profit-driven antagonist, but his character is painted in broad strokes, often coming across as a predictable caricature.

While the premise had the potential to deliver a compelling story, the film falters in its script. Conflict resolution often feels overly simplistic, and the film glosses over the harsh realities of taking on a corrupt system. For instance, Radhe’s fight for justice culminates in applause and rewards rather than the realistic resistance one might expect. Even scenes like a scuffle in the bank, which could have been taut and intense, are reduced to comedic relief.

Kirti Kulhari’s character is introduced with promise, but her arc feels a bit disconnected. The story mostly focuses on Radhe, with few other characters getting much attention. Kirti, given her acting prowess, adds depth as Radhe’s love interest and in another key part of the story. Rashami Desai, while breezy in her brief role, is underutilised, leaving her presence almost forgettable.

The film’s tone is its biggest weakness – struggling to balance light-hearted humour with the seriousness of systemic fraud. The result? A shaky narrative. However, Madhavan’s performance as Radhe, an ordinary man facing extraordinary challenges, stands out. Even when the script stumbles, his acting keeps the audience hooked.

Despite its flaws, Hisaab Barabar delivers a warm, inspiring message about the power of determination and the common man’s ability to overcome great challenges. It’s a feel-good story that highlights resilience and defying the system. While a few comic scenes add some laughs, the film relies too much on clichéd tropes and predictable moments, making it feel like a story you’ve seen before.

While it’s worth watching solely for Madhavan’s performance, the film struggles to do justice to its talented cast or its otherwise intriguing premise. With more research and a stronger script, it could have been a gripping exploration of systemic fraud but instead, seems like a missed opportunity.

Location :
Mumbai, India

First Published:
January 23, 2025, 14:23 IST