Hisaab Barabar Review: Madhavan’s Disappointing Satirical Thriller Falls Flat

Released on January 24, 2025, Hisaab Barabar is a satirical thriller starring R Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Kirti Kulhari, available on ZEE5 with a Telugu audio option. Directed by Ashwni Dhir, the film attempts to capture the essence of a middle-class man caught up in a multi-crore bank scam. But does it succeed in delivering a thrilling experience? Let’s dive into the details.

Plot Overview:

The film revolves around Radha Krishna Mohan (R Madhavan), a TTE and chartered accountant, who discovers a mere Rs. 27.50 missing from his Do Daily Bank account. His investigation unravels a massive Rs. 2000-crore scam led by the bank’s CEO, Mickey Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh). As the plot unfolds, viewers are left wondering if Radha Krishna Mohan will expose the fraud and how Mickey’s character fits into the grand scheme.

Highlights of the Film:

• Madhavan’s Strong Performance: As Radha Krishna Mohan, Madhavan brings depth to his role, effortlessly portraying an honest, relatable character who reflects the common man’s struggles. His performance is a standout in an otherwise underwhelming film.
• Relatable Premise: The movie strikes a chord with middle-class audiences by showcasing the everyday challenges faced by ordinary people, making it feel authentic.
• Kirti Kulhari’s Role: Though her role is limited, Kirti Kulhari delivers a decent performance, leaving a lasting impression with the few moments she’s on screen.

Downsides:

• Weak Screenplay: Despite an intriguing concept, the film falters due to a lack of compelling writing. The narrative struggles to hold attention, and the intended satire feels more forced than funny, leaving the audience disengaged.
• Missed Character Development: Neil Nitin Mukesh’s portrayal of Mickey Mehta, the antagonist, fails to impress. Instead of feeling like a threatening figure, his character is more of a superficial social media influencer, which undermines the intensity of the plot.
• Inconsistent Tone: The film suffers from tonal inconsistency, where serious matters are handled too lightly, and random humor disrupts the flow of the story. This results in a jarring viewing experience.
• Underwhelming Technical Aspects: Ashwni Dhir’s direction lacks the punch needed for a thriller, and the screenplay leaves much to be desired. The cinematography is passable, while the editing and Telugu dubbing are subpar, at times unintentionally amusing. The music does little to elevate the mood.

Final Verdict:

Hisaab Barabar is ultimately a letdown. Despite a promising storyline and a talented lead actor like Madhavan, the film struggles to create the tension and excitement necessary for a satirical thriller. Weak writing, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent pacing prevent the movie from living up to its potential. With a runtime of less than 90 minutes, it still feels drawn-out, testing the patience of viewers. Unless you’re a die-hard Madhavan fan, it’s best to skip this one in favor of a more engaging watch.