Hisaab Barabar (2025) Movie Review – A Tale of Corruption and Satire
Introduction
“Hisaab Barabar” is a Hindi satirical action comedy directed by Ashwni Dhir. Premiering on ZEE5 on January 24, 2025, the film explores corruption, economic disparity, and a common man’s struggle against a massive banking scam.
Starring R. Madhavan as Radhe Mohan Sharma, the movie attempts to balance humor and social commentary. However, its execution leaves much to be desired, making it a mixed cinematic experience.
Plot Overview
Radhe Mohan Sharma, an honest railway ticket collector, stumbles upon a minor ₹27.50 discrepancy in his bank account. His investigation unveils a ₹2,400 crore banking scam orchestrated by the wealthy and corrupt banker Micky Mehta, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh.
The film juxtaposes Radhe’s integrity against Micky’s greed. However, the narrative struggles to maintain coherence, shifting between satire and slapstick comedy without fully developing its themes.
Character Arc Analysis
Radhe Mohan Sharma’s character undergoes a transformation from a simple railway employee to a determined whistleblower. His arc reflects resilience but lacks emotional depth due to weak screenplay execution.
Micky Mehta, on the other hand, remains a static character. His greed-driven actions define him, but his exaggerated portrayal lacks the layers needed to make him a compelling antagonist.
Screenplay Quality
The screenplay, written by Ashwni Dhir and Ritesh Shastri, fails to deliver consistent impact. The dialogues are repetitive, overusing phrases like “common man” instead of creating meaningful conversations.
The humor often feels forced, missing the sharpness required for effective satire. Many scenes feel disconnected, reducing the film’s emotional weight.
Genre Comparison
Compared to recent satirical comedies like “Jolly LLB 2” and “Scam 1992,” “Hisaab Barabar” lacks narrative finesse. Where these films successfully blend humor with critique, this one struggles to maintain tonal consistency.
The film could have been a hard-hitting satire, but instead, it relies on outdated comedic tropes that weaken its message.
Box Office Performance
Released directly on ZEE5, “Hisaab Barabar” avoided the traditional box office test. However, its reception among streaming audiences has been lukewarm, with many criticizing its weak execution.
Despite Madhavan’s strong performance, the film failed to create significant buzz, making it a forgettable entry in the OTT landscape.
Performance Analysis
R. Madhavan carries the film with his sincere portrayal of Radhe. His performance brings authenticity, but the weak script limits his impact.
Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Micky Mehta is more of a caricature than a formidable villain. His over-the-top acting makes the character less menacing and more comical.
Kirti Kulhari and Rashami Desai deliver competent performances but are held back by underdeveloped roles. The supporting cast is largely underutilized.
Direction and Writing
Ashwni Dhir’s direction fails to strike a balance between satire and comedy. While the premise is promising, the execution lacks focus.
The inconsistent pacing and patchy editing further weaken the storytelling, making the film feel disjointed.
Music and Cinematography
Aman Pant’s music is largely forgettable, failing to leave a lasting impact. The background score does little to enhance the narrative.
Cinematography by M. Sukumar is functional but uninspired. The visual presentation lacks creativity, missing the chance to elevate the film’s themes.
Critical Reception
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Storyline | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Acting | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) |
| Screenplay | ⭐☆☆☆☆ (1/5) |
| Direction | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Music | ⭐☆☆☆☆ (1/5) |
Conclusion
“Hisaab Barabar” had the potential to be a sharp satire on financial corruption, but its weak execution and inconsistent tone prevent it from making an impact.
While R. Madhavan shines in his role, the lack of a strong screenplay and engaging storytelling makes the film an underwhelming experience.
For those interested in movies tackling social issues, platforms like iBomma Movies, Bappamtv Movies, and Iradha Movies offer better options in the genre.
FAQs
Is “Hisaab Barabar” worth watching?
It depends on expectations. If you enjoy R. Madhavan’s performances, it might be worth a watch, but the overall execution is underwhelming.
Where can I watch “Hisaab Barabar”?
The film is available for streaming on ZEE5.
How does “Hisaab Barabar” compare to similar movies?
Compared to films like “Jolly LLB 2” or “Scam 1992,” this one lacks depth and finesse in storytelling.
What is the main issue with “Hisaab Barabar”?
The inconsistent tone and weak screenplay make it less engaging than it could have been.
Does “Hisaab Barabar” have a strong message?
While it aims to highlight financial corruption, the execution fails to leave a lasting impact.