Movie Review: Hisaab Barabar (Zee5)
Hisaab Barabar is a gripping drama with excellent acting that blends societal criticism with a captivating story. The film is worth seeing because of R. Madhavan's outstanding performance and its relevant premise. Even though the pacing should have been tightened, it manages to convey a significant message about the strength of an honest, driven individual in the face of systematic corruption. Fans of compelling narrative and socially important dramas should not miss this.
Feeda2z Desk
Director: Harshvardhan Tiwari
Cast: R. Madhavan, Kirti Kulhari, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Faisal Rashid, Shaunak Duggal, Rajesh Jais
Streaming on: Zee5
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Story Review:
Hisaab Barabar is an incisive chronicle of one man’s battle against the pervasive corruption in the banking system. This film is about Radhe Mohan Sharma (R. Madhavan), an honest railway ticket checker who stands for integrity and perseverance against the yearly dirty and graphic ticket selling practice of the Indian railway system. The moment Rs. 27.50 is casually withdrawn from his bank account without an explanation, Radhe’s curiosity becomes a dogged pursuit of justice, and his discovery of a multi-billion rupee scam.
The story is refreshingly down-to-earth, employing a relatively trivial offense to explore larger social ills. The writing ensures that we get a balanced dosage of Radhe’s mujhse dosti karoge? struggles including divorce, and relationship with son Mannu, but we also get DPS MEIYANG CHANG-ing as he unravels the corporate gaadi scam led by the dastardly DO Bank founder Micky Mehta (played by Neil Nitin Mukesh). The gradual descent into the scam is gripping, and the film is peppered with a series of shocks, particularly in the second half when Radhe clashes with Micky.
The film’s emotional beats — especially the relationship between Radhe and his son, and his romance with Kirti Kulhari’s character (a hard-as-nails but lovable cop) — also add some welcome depth to the story. But a tighter second half and improved pacing in places should have taken the film further.
Performances:
• R. Madhavan as Radhe Mohan Sharma:
Madhavan is brilliant as always, nailing Radhe’s honesty, determination, and vulnerability in a nuanced performance. His depiction of an ordinary person going up against the world is someone we can all identify with and cheer for. Madhavan effortlessly shoulders the film and gives you a reason to root for Radhe through every frame.
• Kirti Kulhari as the Cop:
Radhe’s love interest is a cop played by Kirti, who lends charm and mettle to her performance. Though her character could have stood to be fleshed out a little more (the most mundane and clichéd backstory fills out her motivation), Kirti does a good job in her limited time and has a warm and believable chemistry with Madhavan.
• Neil Nitin Mukesh as Micky Mehta:
Neil is excellent as the suave but menacing villain. His performance of Micky, a white-collar crook who plays the system for all its worth, is tempered but powerful. He is effective in scenes in which his placid exterior conceals his ruthlessness.
• Faisal Rashid & Others:
Faisal Rashid as the dismissive bank clerk lends real authenticity to the story’s early conflict, and Rajesh Jais as the bank manager comes across well in his limited role. Shaunak Duggal as Radhe’s son brings emotional grounding to the film.
Direction and Execution:
Credit to Harshvardhan Tiwari for taking up post-marriage ka tension, an unusual but super relatable premise. The film’s strength is that it turns small grievances into larger commentary about systemic corruption and the need for persistence. The direction is good in matters of the heart, but there are things, especially at the climax, that could have handled a little better. The film also does an excellent job of simplifying the technicalities of banking fraud for the layperson.
Strengths:
• R. Madhavan’s standout performance.
• A relatable and unique storyline that highlights a real-world issue.
• Engaging twists and emotional subplots.
• The chemistry between Madhavan and Kirti Kulhari.
Weaknesses:
• Slightly uneven pacing in the second half.
• Kirti Kulhari’s character deserved more depth and involvement in the main conflict.
• A predictable resolution that doesn’t fully match the buildup.
Ratings:
• Story: 4/5
• Performances: 4.5/5
• Direction: 3.5/5
• Engagement: 4/5
• Overall: 4/5
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