The Indian film industry has long been a vehicle for raising awareness about pressing societal issues, often blending storytelling with messages that resonate with audiences. “Hisaab Barabar,” directed by Ashwni Dhir and released on January 24, 2025, aims to do precisely that. Available for streaming on ZEE5, the film brings to light systemic corruption in the banking sector while exploring how small missteps can snowball into devastating consequences. Featuring an impressive cast, including R. Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari, and Rashami Desai, the film aspires to make a mark with its compelling premise. However, while its heart is in the right place, uneven execution hampers its overall impact.
Plot Overview
The story of Hisaab Barabar revolves around Radhe Mohan Sharma (played by R. Madhavan), a disciplined and upright ticket collector working for Indian Railways. A quintessential middle-class worker, Radhe lives by principles of honesty and accountability. His life takes an unexpected turn when he notices a small discrepancy of ₹36 in his bank account. What initially appears to be a trivial clerical error evolves into a startling discovery of widespread corruption within the bank.
Radhe soon realizes that the fraudulent practices are masterminded by Micky Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a cunning and manipulative bank owner who has been exploiting unsuspecting customers through calculated schemes. Radhe’s attempts to bring the truth to light turn into a David-versus-Goliath battle as he takes on the banking establishment, exposing their wrongdoing while risking his own safety. Along the way, he encounters a strong ally in Rashami Desai’s journalist character, who amplifies his fight against corruption.
The film’s narrative walks a tightrope between satirical commentary and dramatic storytelling, aiming to present the challenges faced by the average citizen when standing up to the system. However, its execution leaves room for improvement.
Hisaab Barabar Review
At its core, Hisaab Barabar addresses a deeply relatable issue for the common man—the misuse of trust and power by financial institutions. The premise, which focuses on a seemingly small error that exposes larger systemic flaws, resonates with audiences who have experienced frustrations with banks, bureaucracy, and corruption.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is its portrayal of Radhe’s character. R. Madhavan delivers a grounded performance, bringing authenticity and relatability to the role. His portrayal of an ordinary man standing firm in the face of extraordinary adversity is inspiring. Similarly, Neil Nitin Mukesh excels in his role as the suave and sinister Micky Mehta, embodying the arrogance of unchecked power.
The screenplay makes an effort to balance humor and drama, a hallmark of director Ashwni Dhir’s style. Some of the comedic moments work well, providing relief from the heavier themes. For instance, Radhe’s interactions with quirky bank staff highlight the absurdities of bureaucratic inefficiency. Unfortunately, not all attempts at humor land effectively, with some sequences feeling forced and out of place.
Strengths
The film’s primary strength lies in its thematic relevance. With scams and financial frauds making headlines frequently, Hisaab Barabar taps into the public’s growing distrust of powerful institutions. The narrative urges viewers to question authority, demand accountability, and stay vigilant against exploitation.
The performances, especially by Madhavan and Mukesh, elevate the material. Madhavan’s everyman persona makes it easy for audiences to empathize with his struggle, while Mukesh’s charisma as the antagonist keeps the conflict engaging. Rashami Desai and Kirti Kulhari, though underutilized, add depth to their supporting roles, particularly in moments where they confront the moral dilemmas posed by the story.
Additionally, the production design and cinematography effectively capture the middle-class ethos. The bank scenes, with their sterile atmospheres and overburdened staff, feel authentic, grounding the story in a relatable reality.
Weaknesses
While the premise is strong, the film falters in its execution. The pacing in the first half is uneven, with repetitive scenes that slow the narrative. For instance, Radhe’s initial attempts to address the ₹36 discrepancy at the bank are drawn out unnecessarily, diluting the urgency of his discovery.
The screenplay also struggles to maintain tonal consistency. The shifts between satire, drama, and social commentary often feel abrupt, leaving the audience unsure of the film’s overall direction. While the humor works in parts, it sometimes undermines the gravity of the subject matter.
Moreover, some characters are underdeveloped, particularly the female leads. Kirti Kulhari’s role as Radhe’s supportive wife is limited to providing moral support, and Rashami Desai’s journalist character, while pivotal to the plot, doesn’t receive enough screen time to leave a lasting impact.
Themes and Social Commentary
Hisaab Barabar shines in its exploration of corruption and accountability. The film highlights how even small financial discrepancies can signal larger, systemic issues. By focusing on the ₹36 error, the narrative underscores the importance of vigilance, no matter how trivial the issue may seem.
The film also critiques the complacency of ordinary citizens, who often overlook minor injustices out of convenience or fear of confrontation. Radhe’s character arc serves as a call to action, encouraging viewers to stand up for what’s right, even in the face of daunting odds.
At the same time, the movie delves into the moral complexities of whistleblowing. Radhe’s journey exposes him to significant personal risks, raising questions about the sacrifices required to bring about change. The film urges viewers to consider the cost of integrity in a corrupt system.
Verdict
Hisaab Barabar is a film with noble intentions, tackling an issue that is both timely and significant. It succeeds in highlighting the injustices of a corrupt system and the resilience of the human spirit. However, its execution falls short of its ambitious goals. The uneven pacing, inconsistent tone, and underutilized characters detract from the overall impact of the story.
That said, the performances by R. Madhavan and Neil Nitin Mukesh are worth applauding, as is the film’s commitment to raising awareness about corruption in the financial sector. For viewers seeking a socially relevant drama with moments of humor and intrigue, Hisaab Barabar is worth a watch, even if it doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
Final Thoughts
In a landscape where financial fraud and systemic corruption dominate news headlines, Hisaab Barabar serves as a timely reminder of the importance of accountability and vigilance. While it may not be a perfect film, its heart is in the right place. With a stronger script and tighter editing, it could have been a standout.
For now, Hisaab Barabar remains a decent attempt at merging entertainment with social commentary—flawed but thought-provoking.
