The promotional campaign for Hisaab Barabar set high hopes, suggesting the film would uncover banking sector corruption. With a strong cast including R. Madhavan and Kirti Kulhari, and writer-director Ashwini Dhir of Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge and Son of Sardaar fame, anticipation was palpable. However, the Zee5 release ends up as a case of “all hype, no substance.”
A Story That Fizzles Out
The 1-hour-51-minute film begins with Radhe Mohan Sharma, a diligent ticket collector (TTE) in Indian Railways, who once aspired to become a Chartered Accountant. Now balancing his job and raising his son single-handedly, Radhe’s life is centered on settling accounts, both personal and professional.
The antagonist, Mickey Mehta, a corrupt chairman of DO-Bank, builds his fortune by stealing minuscule amounts from customer accounts. His scams have netted him Rs. 2,000 crores, while he enjoys a lavish lifestyle funded by illegal dealings with politicians.
Though the premise of exposing banking fraud could have made for a gripping and enlightening story, the execution falters. Ashwini Dhir, along with co-writer Ritesh Shastri, reduces the narrative to a caricature. The characters fail to evoke laughter or impart any meaningful lessons, resulting in a wasted opportunity to highlight real issues.
Distracting Subplots And Irritating Comedy
The film’s focus is further diluted by an unnecessary love story between Radhe and Inspector Poonam Joshi, which derails the investigative plot. Rashami Desai, in the role of a nanny named Monalisa, adds an irritating comedic element that feels entirely out of place.
Underwhelming Production And Visuals
The songs stretch the film unnecessarily, adding to its monotony. The sets look cheap and unconvincing—the railway station appears fake, the bank resembles a rented office, and the visual effects fall short of even basic YouTube standards.
The attempt to mix comedy into Mickey Mehta’s villainous persona feels forced, leaving viewers confused about the film’s tone.
The only redeeming factor in Hisaab Barabar is R. Madhavan, whose sincere performance keeps viewers somewhat engaged. However, even his efforts can’t salvage the poorly written narrative, which ironically talks about awakening a “New India.”
Hisaab Barabar is a textbook example of how to waste a promising premise. Despite its relevant theme, the film fails to educate, entertain, or inspire.
Review By– Ashwani Kumar
