Hisaab Barabar, available on Zee5, is a film that attempts to blend entertainment with financial literacy and has interesting potential. The plot revolves around Radhe Mohan, a simple man played by Madhavan, who discovers small inconsistencies in the bank’s interest calculation that lead him to expose a corruption scam. Although the film sets out to offer insight into the need to be more conscious about personal finance, it does so with misplaced comedic bits that make the film’s core message very uninspiring.
The Premise: A Lesson in Money Management
The film begins with Radhe Mohan, a mathematics enthusiast, working as a railway collector and living a simple life alongside his young son. When reviewing his bank statements one day, he discovers that ₹27.50 is missing, which, although not a large sum, is curious.
As Radhe begins investigating, he finds out that a corrupt banker, Mickey Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh), has been robbing customers by siphoning off small sums from their accounts to create a large slush fund.
At the heart of the film lies a very important message: Never overlook your money because even small amounts count. In an age where most individuals solely rely on the trustworthiness of their banks, the film points out the ethos of being financially vigilant.
What Works: A Message Worth Its Weight – Hisaab Barabar Movie Review
1. Financial Literacy
What stands out the most about Hisaab Barabar is its attempt to teach viewers the basic concepts of finance. Radhe Mohan’s enforcement of the idea of scrutinizing what was done with one’s bank statements or checking in with the bank indicates how:
- Petty amounts, when multiplied over time or across several accounts, can lead to considerable losses.
2. Madhavan’s Performance Is Relatable
Madhavan’s performance as Radhe Mohan ticks all the boxes in terms of being loveable, particularly in scenes where:
- He breaks down financial concepts into simpler, relatable terms.
His character serves as a caricature of common men who, in all probabilities, never participate in the financial conservatism race.
3. The Central Theme
How people focus on decimal points and the small differences adding cumulatively over the years is both pertinent and shocking. The movie motivates the public to:
- Take the initiative in managing their funds proactively.
- Watch for extra charges, expense ratios in mutual funds, and challenging transactions.
What Does Not Work: Awkward Humor and Slim Common Sense
1. A Jester’s Villain
Neil Nitin Mukesh’s portrayal of a corrupt banker Mickey Mehta is laughable at best. With ludicrous attributes like money hoarding threats and a money-sprawling warehouse, he becomes less of a villain and more of a cartoon character.
2. Unneeded Emotional Scenes
The emotion is injected at inappropriate parts, making it horribly irrational. In rapid short sequential events, Radhe sustains extreme violence by having his house bulldozed, losing his job, and having his child taken hostage. In reality, having a character face so much change oversimplifies any hope for empathy towards him.
3. Boring Pathos
Radhe’s romantic subplot with a train commuter, who is later revealed to be a police officer, is dull and purposeless. Their chemistry is banal, and their side story does not help the movie whatsoever.
4. Different Worlds At The Same Time
The movie does not balance its serious theme with its shriek-worthy jokes. The theme is captivating, but no one would actually laugh; the humor completely misses the point.
Performances
Madhavan
Madhavan delivers a gripping performance, making Radhe Mohan appealing and relatable due to his dedication to the character. When he portrays a man trying to do right in the face of overwhelming corruption, he displays commitment to his role, and his efforts must be commended, even when the screenplay does not support him.
Neil Nitin Mukesh
Neil Nitin Mukesh’s portrayal of Mickey Mehta will likely fall flat owing to how over-the-top he has acted. He doesn’t help his case by making it too ridiculous to even consider the character seriously.
Priya Anand
Priya Anand offers little additional assistance as a cop and Radhe’s love interest because her character is poorly developed and wafer-thin.
The Takeaway: A Missed Opportunity
The premise of the movie certainly seems novel but lacks the finesse of other movies based on fictitious documentaries like Moneyball or The Big Short. The film, if made with greater attention to its writing, would have brought out a provoking piece instead of being a half-hearted attempt filled with dialectical volatility.
Why You Should Watch It
Hisaab Barabar can be used as a vessel to make your entire bank statement and balancing records the focal point of your attention. Although it suffers from poor execution, the concept of financial vigilance that the film tries to get across is paramount, especially in today’s world.
Final Verdict
The production Hisaab Barabar gets commendable mention for trying to tackle a relevant and often neglected issue: financial responsibility. Even though it does not deliver on its promise fully, it makes an effort in getting its audience to ponder the finer aspects of money management. While the movie is thoughtful, do not expect the best of cinematic creations.
