Friday, February 7, 2025

Review When number uncovers corruption and justice prevails, Madhavan gets the Hisaab Barabar

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Tejal Sinha

PLOT
Hisaab Barabar revolves around Radhe (R Madhavan), a senior ticket collector in the railways who has an obsession with numbers, balance and accounting. A failure in achieving his dream of becoming an accountant, Radhe applies his meticulous sense of balance not just to his work, but also to his personal life, often to a fault. As a charming yet somewhat reserved single dad, Radhe’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers discrepancies in his bank account that lead him to uncover a massive corruption scheme within the banking system. Now, what really happens and how the story unfolds, you need to give it a watch.
ANALYSIS
At its core, Hisaab Barabar is a simple story executed with charm and finesse. Writer-director Ashwani Dhir crafts a tale that avoids the usual pitfalls of preachy social dramas. The narrative is straightforward but layered, focusing on themes of honesty, morality and resilience while keeping the tone light and family-friendly. The story doesn’t rely on convoluted twists or melodrama; instead, it draws the audience in with relatable characters, crisp dialogues and a sense of earnestness.
While the film flits between genres – romance, comedy, and thriller – it never loses sight of its heartwarming essence.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hisaab Barabar distinguishes itself with its unconventional protagonist, Radhe, who is far from the larger-than-life heroes typically seen in similar narratives. Radhe’s relatable quirks, including his obsession with balance sheets and accountability, make him an intriguing and authentic character. His grounded personality and personal struggles as a single father bring a refreshing depth to the film’s storytelling, setting it apart from formulaic narratives.
The film’s approach to addressing social justice is another standout feature. While it delves into themes of corruption and wealth disparity, Hisaab Barabar avoids being overly didactic. Rather than delivering moralistic monologues or heavy-handed messages, the film opts for a subtler, more engaging narrative. The simplicity of its storytelling ensures the themes resonate with the audience without feeling overbearing, making it both thought-provoking and accessible.
One of the most notable aspects of the film is its ability to maintain a lighthearted tone while addressing serious issues. The blend of humour, warmth and moments of tension creates a balanced narrative that appeals to a broad audience. This tonal harmony ensures the story remains entertaining and family-friendly, avoiding the pitfalls of becoming overly intense or melodramatic.
The film’s heartwarming and relatable themes also contribute to its appeal. Beyond the central plot of exposing corruption, the movie explores relationships, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in everyday life. Radhe’s journey to balance his personal and professional challenges resonates deeply, making the film emotionally enriching. The execution of Hisaab Barabar stands out for its refreshing simplicity. The movie avoids convoluted twists and unnecessary dramatics, opting instead for a self-aware and earnest approach. This straightforward execution respects the intelligence of its audience, offering a narrative that feels authentic and honest while still being engaging.
DRAWBACKS
One of the noticeable drawbacks of Hisaab Barabar lies in its tonal inconsistencies. While the film admirably attempts to blend comedy, drama and suspense, the frequent shifts between these genres can sometimes feel disjointed. Moments of light-hearted humour or romance are occasionally interrupted by sudden transitions to serious, high-stakes drama, which can disrupt the narrative flow. This lack of tonal balance detracts from the film’s overall coherence and makes it challenging for the audience to stay fully immersed.
Another area where the film falls short is in its underutilisation of certain characters. While the story revolves around Radhe’s journey, pivotal supporting characters – especially Kirti Kulhari’s role – is not given enough depth or screen time. Her character, which could have added an additional emotional layer to the story, feels underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more from her storyline. The film’s tendency to indulge in over-the-top moments also detracts from its otherwise grounded approach. While the antagonist’s exaggerated portrayal offers moments of entertainment, some of the scenes involving the villain feel out of sync with the movie’s subtle and earnest tone. These overly dramatic sequences risk pulling the audience out of the story, as they clash with the film’s more realistic and heartfelt moments.
The narrative sometimes leans on predictable tropes and clichéd plot points, which might feel overly familiar to seasoned viewers. Despite these drawbacks, Hisaab Barabar remains a largely enjoyable film. However, addressing these shortcomings could have made it an even more compelling and polished experience.
PERFORMANCE
R Madhavan’s performance is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Hisaab Barabar. He brings a disarming charm and authenticity to the character of Radhe, a humble ticket collector with a strong moral compass. Madhavan masterfully balances Radhe’s quirks and vulnerabilities with his quiet determination, creating a character that is both relatable and inspiring. His ability to seamlessly navigate the film’s tonal shifts – whether it’s a comedic moment or a high-stakes confrontation – anchors the narrative and keeps the audience invested in his journey.
Neil Nitin Mukesh delivers a flamboyant and energetic performance as the film’s antagonist. Playing the role of a corrupt banker, Mukesh leans into his character’s over-the-top personality with gusto. While some scenes verge on caricature, his unhinged energy adds a layer of entertainment and creates a stark contrast with Madhavan’s restrained approach. His exaggerated portrayal might not resonate with all viewers, but it undeniably adds drama and a sense of unpredictability to the film.
Kirti Kulhari, despite limited screen time, leaves a lasting impression with her nuanced performance. As Radhe’s love interest and a pivotal character in the story, Kulhari brings subtlety and depth to her role. Her naturalistic acting style enhances her scenes, and her chemistry with Madhavan adds an emotional layer to the film. While her character could have been explored further, Kulhari makes the most of her role, elevating every moment she’s on screen.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Ashwani Dhir impresses with his restrained and focused approach to storytelling in Hisaab Barabar. His direction ensures the narrative remains engaging without feeling bloated, with a pacing that avoids any dull moments. The film strikes a careful balance between its various tones – comedy, drama and suspense – while maintaining a sense of authenticity. Dhir’s storytelling is straightforward yet impactful, allowing the emotional core of the film to resonate without resorting to melodrama. The writing is one of the film’s strongest aspects, with a sharp and self-aware script that avoids common clichés. The crisp dialogues are both entertaining and meaningful, adding depth to the characters and their interactions. Dhir’s ability to blend humour and serious themes seamlessly ensures that the story feels relatable and grounded. The writing also respects the audience’s intelligence, delivering a narrative that is engaging without being overly complicated or predictable. The cinematography in Hisaab Barabar effectively captures the charm of its small-town setting. The visuals are clean and grounded, complementing the film’s tone and enhancing its authenticity. The camera work subtly underscores the emotions and conflicts within the story, without ever feeling intrusive or overbearing. The background score, while not particularly standout, does a commendable job of supporting the narrative. It complements the film’s mood and transitions effectively, enhancing key moments without overshadowing the performances or storytelling. Though the music isn’t a central highlight, it blends seamlessly into the fabric of the film, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.
VERDICT
Hisaab Barabar is a delightful watch that thrives on its simplicity and strong performances. It tells a heartwarming story of resilience and justice, anchored by Madhavan’s exceptional portrayal of a principled yet relatable hero. While it isn’t without flaws, the film’s earnest approach, engaging narrative and family-friendly tone make it an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.

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