When a renowned actor like R Madhavan takes on the role of an ordinary man—a socially awkward yet righteous figure determined to take on a corrupt system—you'd expect something memorable, an emotionally engaging narrative that explores the complexities of an individual against the establishment. Unfortunately, Hisaab Barabar doesn’t live up to this potential. Despite Madhavan's best efforts, the film’s lackluster writing and predictable plot hinder its ability to make a significant impact. It's a prime example of a story that, while possessing an intriguing premise, ultimately feels flat and uninspired.
The film's central idea revolves around financial corruption within a bank, which is a theme that could have opened up a world of possibilities for a compelling narrative. Madhavan plays Radhe Mohan Sharma, a modest ticket collector who discovers a minor discrepancy in his bank statements. This seemingly small detail leads him to uncover a much larger issue of fraud and corruption that has been systematically taking place, exploiting innocent customers. The person behind this corruption is Micky Mehta, portrayed by Neil Nitin Mukesh, a charismatic and influential banker who is running the whole scam with the help of his accomplice, played by Manu Rishi.
While the premise is not entirely unoriginal, the film’s execution falls short in terms of crafting a captivating thriller. Radhe Mohan’s journey, much like Anil Kapoor’s character in Nayak, sees him trying to expose the system, but the story quickly becomes repetitive and predictable. The character is forced to take drastic steps, but instead of creating an intriguing plot, the film resorts to clichés. Radhe Mohan is blamed for all the wrongdoings and eventually resigned from his job, a predictable turn of events that fails to engage the audience on a deeper level.
Adding an additional layer to the story is the character of Poonam Joshi, a cop played by Kirti Kulhari, who has a past with Radhe Mohan. The two were once romantically involved, but Radhe Mohan rejected her when they were younger. The film attempts to weave in a romantic angle when fate brings the two back together. Unfortunately, the romance feels forced and lacks the chemistry needed to make it believable. Madhavan and Kulhari's interactions fall flat, which can largely be attributed to the writing, which never fully develops their relationship or gives it the emotional weight it requires.
One of the key issues with Hisaab Barabar is the lack of character depth and development. Radhe Mohan’s character, despite being played by an actor like Madhavan, never fully connects with the audience. His motivations feel generic, and his struggles never rise above the level of predictability. The film tries to build him up as a hero who challenges the system, but the execution of this arc feels forced. The potential for a nuanced portrayal of a common man standing up against corruption is never fully realized, and as a result, the emotional stakes remain low throughout the film.
Another issue is the absence of any truly memorable supporting characters. While Neil Nitin Mukesh’s portrayal of Micky Mehta as the corrupt banker is a potential highlight, his character never feels fully fleshed out. His role as the antagonist doesn’t come with the kind of depth or menace that would make the conflict between him and Radhe Mohan feel truly consequential. Manu Rishi’s character, Dayal, adds some intrigue to the narrative, but again, his role doesn’t evolve enough to create any meaningful tension or drama.
The film also features Rashami Desai and Himanshu Malik in supporting roles, but they too are given little to work with. Their characters don’t have any substantial impact on the storyline, leaving them to merely fill space in what feels like a rather one-dimensional plot. While Hisaab Barabar tries to tackle the theme of corruption and the individual’s fight against a flawed system, it never succeeds in creating the kind of emotional resonance that the subject matter demands.
Hisaab Barabar could have been a poignant and engaging commentary on the struggles of an everyday man taking on a corrupt system, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The film’s pacing is uneven, and its attempts at adding emotional depth through the romance and drama only detract from the central theme of corruption. Had the writing been sharper and the character arcs more developed, Hisaab Barabar might have had the potential to be a thought-provoking thriller. Instead, it remains a film that never fully realizes its potential.
Streaming on Zee5, Hisaab Barabar may appeal to viewers who are looking for a straightforward, if predictable, drama. However, for those hoping for a more impactful exploration of corruption and the fight for justice, this film may leave you wanting more. The performances, while earnest, can only do so much to lift a screenplay that doesn’t offer much substance. Ultimately, Hisaab Barabar stands as a cautionary tale about how a good idea can falter when the writing and execution fail to live up to the concept.
