The everyman-versus-the-system trope has produced cinematic gems like Naseeruddin Shah’s A Wednesday (2008). Unfortunately, Hisaab Barabar, starring R Madhavan, falls short of delivering the same impact.
Despite Madhavan’s sincere efforts as Radhe Mohan Sharma, a ticket collector with a knack for math, the film stumbles under the weight of a predictable and lackluster screenplay. The premise—a ticket collector uncovering financial corruption in a bank—holds promise but is poorly executed, rendering the film a missed opportunity.
The Plot: A Familiar Yet Uninspired Ride
Radhe Mohan discovers discrepancies in his bank statements, leading him to suspect a larger scam targeting bank customers. The villainous Micky Mehta, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh, and his accomplice Dayal (Manu Rishi) orchestrate this fraudulent scheme. But when Radhe attempts to expose them, he faces resistance, disbelief, and even loses his job—a predictable and uninspired narrative arc.
Adding to the chaos is Poonam Joshi (Kirti Kulhari), a cop with a personal history involving Radhe. Their lack of chemistry, coupled with underwhelming writing, makes their subplot feel unnecessary and devoid of emotional weight.
Performances and Execution
While Madhavan tries to elevate the film with his earnest performance, even his charm can’t salvage the dull screenplay. Neil Nitin Mukesh as the eccentric banker is over-the-top, and Kirti Kulhari’s character feels underwritten, leaving little room for her talent to shine.
The supporting cast, including Rashami Desai and Himanshu Malik, is largely forgettable, with their roles offering little to the story.
The Verdict
Hisaab Barabar had the potential to be a compelling commentary on financial corruption and the struggles of the common man. However, its predictable plot, uninspired writing, and lack of emotional depth make it a mediocre watch.
Bottomline: Despite a novel premise and a dependable lead actor, Hisaab Barabar fails to strike a chord. Stream it on Zee5 if you’re a Madhavan fan, but don’t expect much beyond an average entertainer.
