R. Madhavan’s “Hisaab Barabar” is a film that attempts to explore the deep-rooted corruption in the Indian banking system with a blend of action, comedy, and drama. However, despite its compelling premise and a standout performance from Madhavan, the film struggles to deliver a cohesive and impactful message. Let’s delve into the movie’s plot, characters, performances, and the areas where it both succeeds and falters.
Introduction
Corruption is a pervasive issue that continues to plague India, and films that take on this topic often become both relevant and engaging. “Hisaab Barabar,” directed by an up-and-coming filmmaker, seeks to expose the deep flaws of the Indian banking system through a narrative that blends satire, action, and comedy. Starring R. Madhavan as the lead, the film promises a thrilling and engaging ride. However, as we look deeper into the narrative, performances, and technical aspects, it becomes clear that while the film has its strengths, it also faces a series of challenges that hinder its overall impact.
The Premise: A Railway Ticket Examiner Against a Corrupt System
The story of “Hisaab Barabar” is centered around Radhe Mohan Sharma (R. Madhavan), a humble railway ticket examiner who is known for his sharp mind and mathematical prowess. Radhe is an ordinary man, living an uneventful life, until he accidentally stumbles upon a massive banking scam that threatens the financial security of millions of common people. As he uncovers layers of deception and fraud within the system, Radhe decides to take matters into his own hands.
What follows is a tale of one man’s mission to expose the corrupt practices of powerful businessmen and government officials. Radhe faces multiple obstacles, including opposition from ruthless figures such as Ranveer Singh (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a callous and powerful businessman with his fingers in many illicit dealings. The film becomes a battle between the underdog Radhe and the corrupt elite, with high-stakes action sequences and witty moments to keep the audience entertained.
The concept of an everyday man fighting against a powerful system is a story that resonates universally. It’s a theme that has been explored in many successful films before, and “Hisaab Barabar” does well in setting up the basic structure of this battle between good and evil. The idea of an unassuming individual taking on corrupt forces is a strong one, with the potential to deliver a powerful message.
Madhavan’s Performance: The Heart of the Film
R. Madhavan, a versatile actor known for his charm and natural screen presence, once again proves his acting mettle in “Hisaab Barabar.” As Radhe, Madhavan delivers a performance that feels both grounded and inspiring. He brings depth to the character, making Radhe not just a hero but a reflection of the common man. His portrayal is relatable, evoking empathy from the audience. He embodies the qualities of an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and his ability to convey both the emotional and action-driven scenes gives the film its heart.
What sets Madhavan apart in this film is his ability to balance the comedy, action, and drama. The film often oscillates between moments of humor and seriousness, and Madhavan’s performance never feels out of place in either genre. Whether he is engaging in a high-octane chase sequence or delivering an emotional monologue about corruption, Madhavan carries the weight of the film on his shoulders with impressive ease.
The Supporting Cast: Where the Film Struggles
While Madhavan shines in his role, the same cannot be said for the supporting cast. Neil Nitin Mukesh plays the antagonist, Ranveer Singh, a powerful and ruthless businessman embroiled in the corrupt banking system. However, his portrayal of the character falls short of expectations. Mukesh struggles to bring depth to Ranveer Singh, with his performance often veering into melodrama.
Ranveer Singh is supposed to be the menacing figure at the heart of the corrupt empire that Radhe is trying to bring down. However, Mukesh’s portrayal lacks the gravitas needed for such a complex villain. Instead of appearing as a formidable threat, his character often comes across as more of a caricature. His villainy feels overdone, and at times, it undermines the seriousness of the film’s central conflict. The lack of chemistry between Madhavan and Mukesh makes their confrontations feel less impactful, further weakening the overall narrative.
The supporting cast, while competent, fails to offer much to enhance the storytelling. Many of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, leaving the audience with little investment in their fates. Some characters are introduced with potential but are then sidelined as the plot progresses, which weakens the emotional stakes of the film.
Screenplay: A Roller Coaster of Emotions
One of the most glaring issues with “Hisaab Barabar” lies in its screenplay. While the film’s premise is engaging, the execution leaves much to be desired. The screenplay is inconsistent in tone, shifting abruptly between social commentary, slapstick comedy, and melodrama. This uneven tone undermines the impact of the film’s serious moments, leaving the audience unsure of whether they should take the narrative seriously or simply enjoy it for its comedic elements.
At its best, the screenplay presents a poignant critique of the banking system and the corrupt individuals who exploit it. It effectively highlights the struggles of the common man, with Radhe’s journey resonating on a deep emotional level. However, the film often veers into over-the-top comedy, undermining the gravity of its central themes. These tonal shifts can be jarring, leaving the audience confused about the film’s message and purpose.
The film’s dialogue is another area where it falters. While there are a few moments of sharp wit, most of the dialogue is either predictable or forced. The comedic exchanges often fall flat, and the attempts at social commentary feel too on-the-nose. The lack of subtlety in the script is a missed opportunity, especially when dealing with such an important issue as corruption.
Action Sequences: Thrills and Chills
“Hisaab Barabar” features several action-packed sequences that are intended to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. From daring chases through crowded streets to intense confrontations in boardrooms and secretive locations, the film attempts to deliver the thrills. However, the action sequences often feel disconnected from the story’s emotional core. Instead of advancing the plot or deepening the conflict, many of these sequences feel like obligatory filler, added to keep the audience entertained.
While the action is staged competently, it lacks the intensity required to elevate the stakes of the story. The film’s reliance on action often distracts from the more important thematic elements, diluting its impact.
Direction and Cinematography: Mixed Bag
The direction in “Hisaab Barabar” is competent but fails to elevate the material. The film’s pacing is inconsistent, with certain sections dragging on longer than necessary, while others feel rushed. The director struggles to balance the different elements of the film, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed at times.
Cinematographically, the film does a decent job of capturing the urban landscapes and gritty atmosphere of the corrupt world it seeks to portray. However, there is a lack of visual coherence that detracts from the overall experience. Some scenes are shot well, while others feel unnecessarily cluttered or over-stylized. The cinematography could have been more refined to enhance the storytelling, especially in the more dramatic moments.
Conclusion: Potential Wasted
In conclusion, “Hisaab Barabar” had the potential to be an impactful social commentary on the corruption within the banking system, with the powerful premise and Madhavan’s stellar performance standing out as the film’s primary strengths. However, the inconsistent screenplay, weak supporting performances, and jarring tonal shifts ultimately prevent the film from reaching its full potential.
While the film succeeds in portraying the struggles of an ordinary man against a powerful system, it falters in its execution. The film’s inability to maintain a clear and consistent message leaves the audience feeling confused and unsatisfied. Despite this, Madhavan’s performance alone makes “Hisaab Barabar” worth a watch for his fans, but for those expecting a tightly woven narrative with a strong social message, the film may leave you wanting more.
If you are in the mood for a film that blends action, comedy, and drama, “Hisaab Barabar” may offer a decent dose of entertainment. However, if you’re looking for a compelling exploration of corruption with depth and nuance, you might find the film lacking in its execution.
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