When it comes to cinematic social commentaries, Indian cinema often finds itself tiptoeing through the minefield of sensitive subjects, however, Hisaab Barabar fearlessly dives into the deep end, offering a humorous yet impactful take on corruption within the banking sector. Helmed by Ashwni Dhir and fronted by the ever-reliable R Madhavan, the movie serves as a much-needed mirror reflecting societal flaws, wrapped in humor and drama.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Genre: Middling Comedy
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Director: Ashwni Dhir
Cast:
- R Madhavan as Radhe Mohan Sharma
- Kirti Kulhari as Inspector Poonam Joshi
- Neil Nitin Mukesh as Micky Mehta
- Rashmi Desai as Monalisa
Plot Summary:
The film revolves around Radhe Mohan Sharma, a character that seems almost too perfect for Madhavan a diligent ticket inspector obsessed with precision. Radhe’s life takes a comedic yet infuriating turn when he discovers a mysterious ₹27.50 discrepancy in his bank account. While most of us might shrug off such an insignificant amount, Radhe’s unyielding sense of justice propels him into action. What begins as a simple quest for rectification spirals into the unraveling of a gigantic banking fraud involving crores in black money.
As Radhe digs deeper, he finds himself caught in a web of deception and intimidation. The bank officials initially trivialize his concerns, offering petty compensations to placate him. However, Radhe’s dogged determination turns him into an unlikely crusader, inspiring others to stand up against systemic injustice. The story cleverly intertwines Radhe’s battles with the broader societal issues, making it both relatable and thought-provoking.
Themes and Social Commentary:
Hisaab Barabar is not just a tale of financial crime; it is a commentary on the everyday struggles of the middle class. The film sheds light on the opaque nature of banking operations, the frustratingly slow bureaucratic responses, and the helplessness of ordinary citizens in the face of systemic corruption. These are issues that resonate deeply with the audience, making Radhe’s journey one that many can empathize with.
The movie also tackles the theme of activism and the price it exacts on individuals. Radhe’s transformation from a meticulous ticket inspector to a reluctant activist is inspiring and cautionary. His fight against the powerful banking lobby highlights the intimidation tactics employed to silence dissent. The narrative effectively captures the emotional and psychological toll of standing up against corruption.
Character Performances:
- R Madhavan is the film’s strength, delivering a performance that balances humor and gravitas with finesse. His portrayal of Radhe is nuanced, capturing the character’s quirks and ethical steadfastness without slipping into caricature. Madhavan’s ability to convey earnestness without being preachy makes Radhe a relatable hero.
- Kirti Kulhari, Radhe’s love interest, and a righteous police officer, brings depth to her role. Her character, while sometimes oscillating between vulnerability and strength, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative.
- Neil Nitin Mukesh, playing the scheming bank owner Micky Mehta, delivers a somewhat underwhelming performance. His character, intended to be both comic and menacing, fails to evoke the desired reactions, neither eliciting laughter nor fear.
- Rashmi Desai’s role as Mona Lisa, Radhe’s pesky neighbor, adds little substance to the plot, her character serving more as a distraction than a significant player in the story.
Direction and Execution:
Ashwni Dhir, known for his flair for comedy, attempts to balance the film’s serious subject with humor—a task that proves to be challenging. While the film’s intent is commendable, its execution leaves much to be desired. The screenplay, at times, feels disjointed, with scenes that seem to meander without adding much to the narrative progression.
The humor, often loud and slapstick, doesn’t always land, and the film’s background score, reminiscent of a cartoonish extravaganza, detracts from the gravity of the issues being addressed. The one-dimensional characterizations also contribute to the film’s lack of depth, making it difficult for the audience to fully invest in their journeys.
Hisaab Barabar OTT Release date
Hisaab Barabar is all set to make its digital debut on the popular streaming platform ZEE5. Mark your calendars for January 24, 2025, as this is the day when the film will be available for streaming in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Hisaab Barabar Movie Runtime: The movie has a runtime of 111 minutes, making it a perfect length for a gripping and engaging watch.
Final Verdict:
Hisaab Barabar is a film with a noble mission—to highlight the pervasive corruption issue in the banking sector and to inspire a sense of justice among the common people. However, the film’s execution falls short of its lofty ambitions. While R Madhavan’s compelling performance and the film’s relevant themes make it worthwhile, the uneven pacing, caricatured characters, and uninspired humor dilute its impact.
In the end, Hisaab Barabar stands as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in the face of systemic corruption. It’s a film that stirs the conscience but leaves one wishing for a more polished narrative.
