Review: 'Hisaab Barabar' comes with a compelling theme & R. Madhavan undermined by weak execution

Hisaab Barabar, directed by Ashwni Dhir, had the potential to be a gripping and socially relevant satirical thriller. The film revolves around systemic corruption and a common man’s fight against it, a theme that resonates deeply with India’s middle class. Despite its intriguing premise and R. Madhavan’s commendable performance, the movie stumbles on several fronts.

Plot and Screenplay: A Scattered Journey

The story follows Radhe Mohan Sharma (R. Madhavan), a railway ticket examiner, who discovers a small discrepancy of Rs 27.50 in his bank account. His investigation into this minor error uncovers a massive financial scam worth Rs 2,400 crores, orchestrated by an unscrupulous banker, Micky Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh). As Radhe navigates through layers of corruption and bureaucracy, his journey is marred by personal challenges and moral dilemmas.

The premise is promising, shedding light on how small financial irregularities can point to larger systemic issues. However, the screenplay struggles to maintain focus, often veering into unnecessary subplots and irrelevant sequences. Key moments, such as Radhe’s confrontation with the bank or the tragic loss of a young student, fail to deliver the intended emotional impact due to poor execution and misplaced humor.

Script and Direction: A Mixed Bag

Ashwni Dhir, who is also credited for the script and dialogues, falters in crafting a cohesive narrative. The film tries to blend humor and satire with the seriousness of systemic corruption but fails to strike the right balance. Jokes often fall flat, and the humor feels forced, detracting from the gravity of the subject matter.

The direction, though clear in its intent, lacks nuance. Dhir simplifies complex themes, which may work for a casual audience but leaves viewers looking for depth unsatisfied. Scenes that could have been tense and gripping are undercut by over-the-top comedic elements and exaggerated character behavior.

Themes: A Relatable Core

At its heart, Hisaab Barabar raises an important issue: the snowballing effect of seemingly small acts of financial exploitation. The film critiques systemic corruption, the complicity of the wealthy, and the apathy of the common man, urging viewers to be vigilant about such injustices. These themes, while thought-provoking, are overshadowed by the film’s uneven tone and execution, which dilute their impact.

Characterization and Performances: Inconsistent and Underutilized

R. Madhavan delivers a sincere performance as Radhe, embodying the everyman with determination and grit. His portrayal is the film’s saving grace, as he manages to keep the audience engaged despite the script’s shortcomings. However, his character’s journey is riddled with inconsistencies.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, as the antagonist Micky Mehta, oscillates between menacing and comical but never quite finds the right balance. His portrayal often feels exaggerated, with overtly dramatic dialogues and cartoonish mannerisms that diminish the character’s credibility.

Kirti Kulhari, playing Inspector Poonam Joshi, starts off strong but is let down by an underdeveloped character arc. Her transition from a love interest to a no-nonsense investigator lacks coherence, leaving her role feeling disjointed. Rashami Desai, as Radhe’s neighbor Monalisa, is charming in her brief appearances but is largely underutilized. Other supporting characters are either irrelevant or poorly fleshed out, adding little value to the narrative.

Execution: A Disjointed Package

The film’s biggest drawback is its inability to tie its elements together into a cohesive whole. The pacing is uneven, with the first half meandering without making significant progress. Key plot points, such as Radhe’s investigation and the systemic fraud, are either oversimplified or glossed over, undermining the story’s tension.

The Verdict

Hisaab Barabar deserves credit for addressing a pressing societal issue; its execution undermines its impact. The scattered storytelling, inconsistent tone, and underwhelming character arcs weigh down what could have been a gripping and thought-provoking film. R. Madhavan’s earnest performance shines through, but it isn’t enough to save the film from mediocrity. Ultimately, Hisaab Barabar is a missed opportunity, leaving viewers with the lingering question of what might have been.

Rating

**1/2 (2.5/5) stars