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Hisaab Barabar review: R Madhavan’s strong performance can’t save the film

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R Madhavan in a still from 'Hisaab Barabar', reviewing his character’s battle against a corrupt bank.

Platform: Zee5
Genre: Drama
Director: Ashwni Dhir

In Ashwni Dhir’s latest directorial venture, Hisaab Barabar, the central theme revolves around a common man taking on an unjust system—an age-old concept that rarely fails to resonate with audiences. However, despite R Madhavan’s earnest portrayal of the protagonist, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, falling short of its potential.

At the core of Hisaab Barabar is Radhe Mohan Sharma, an Indian Railways ticket examiner played by Madhavan. Sharma, a diligent single father, has an obsessive passion for numbers, a trait that propels him into a battle against a corrupt private bank. When he discovers a minor discrepancy of 27 rupees and 50 paise missing from his account, his seemingly simple quest for an explanation unravels into a larger conflict with Mickey Mehta (Neil Nitin Mukesh), the unscrupulous owner of the bank.

The film’s premise—an ordinary man’s war against the system—holds promise. However, the execution fails to capitalize on this potential. The narrative unfolds along predictably conventional lines, lacking the depth or unpredictability needed to keep viewers engaged. Sharma’s relentless pursuit of justice feels formulaic, with few surprises in store for the audience.

The film drifts between moments of mild humor and heavy-handed seriousness, ultimately struggling to find a rhythm that resonates. Radhe Mohan’s character, while driven by a strong moral compass, never evolves beyond his defining trait of being a number cruncher. As a result, despite Madhavan’s best efforts, the character lacks emotional depth, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in his journey.

Kirti Kulhari, who plays a key role as a passenger with a connection to Sharma’s past, faces a similar issue. Although her character seems poised to offer emotional or narrative weight, she too remains underdeveloped. Her motivations and character arc are not explored sufficiently, leaving her character largely reactive to the actions of the lead. Kulhari’s performance, however, remains solid despite the constraints of the role.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Neil Nitin Mukesh stands out as the greedy and manipulative bank owner, Mickey Mehta. His portrayal is flamboyant, and while the character’s exaggerated traits occasionally make him a more engaging figure, the lack of real conflict or challenge between him and Sharma detracts from the stakes of the story.

The film’s attempt at social commentary—highlighting the exploitation of middle-class bank customers—is timely, but the execution falls flat. Hisaab Barabar struggles to balance its critique of corruption with its dramatic elements, leading to a somewhat disjointed viewing experience. Despite a few relatable moments and its intentions to provoke thought, the film ultimately lacks the punch required to leave a lasting impact.

The central message, which advocates for the power of patience and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, is clear. However, it is delivered with such predictability that it fails to inspire or engage. The film does not venture beyond its safe, established formula of the David versus Goliath struggle, which leaves little room for the audience to feel any real stakes or tension.

Ultimately, Hisaab Barabar is a missed opportunity. While the film’s premise and Madhavan’s performance offer glimpses of what could have been, its lack of narrative depth, underdeveloped characters, and uneven execution prevent it from making any significant impact. What starts as a promising drama about an ordinary man against a corrupt system ends up as a forgettable, by-the-numbers affair.

Entertainment

Naga Chaitanya’s NC24 shoot begins, makers share BTS video

The cast includes Laapataa Ladies breakout star Sparsh Shrivastava in a pivotal role, with speculation swirling around Meenakshi Chaudhary as the potential female lead.

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Naga Chaitanya’s fans are buzzing with excitement as the actor officially launched the shooting of his much-anticipated project, tentatively titled NC24, a mythical thriller helmed by Virupaksha director Karthik Varma Dandu.

On Saturday, Chaitanya unveiled a captivating behind-the-scenes video titled “The Excavation Begins,” offering a tantalizing peek into the meticulous preparation behind this ambitious film, set to explore uncharted, rugged terrains and mystical realms.

The BTS video, shared by the film’s makers, showcases Chaitanya’s deep involvement in the project. Sporting a striking new look tailored for the thriller, the actor is seen engaging in intense discussions with Dandu, absorbing the director’s vision.

A standout moment features the duo examining a detailed model of deep caves, hinting at the enigmatic, otherworldly setting NC24 will unveil. The footage also highlights the elaborate production efforts, from constructing expansive outdoor sets to fine-tuning logistical details, underscoring the film’s grand scale.

Chaitanya’s hands-on approach, evident from the project’s ideation phase, has heightened anticipation. The makers’ caption fueled the hype, stating, “Years of ideation. Months of preparation. Endless rehearsals. This is just a glimpse of the storm brewing! #NC24 The Excavation Begins. Brace for a mythical thriller like never before.” Fans flooded social media with praise, eager for a cinematic experience that promises to push boundaries.

Backed by producer BVSN Prasad and Sukumar under SVCC and Sukumar Writings, NC24 is poised as a visually stunning mystical thriller. With music by Ajaneesh Loknath, the film aims to present Chaitanya in a bold, transformative role.

The cast includes Laapataa Ladies breakout star Sparsh Shrivastava in a pivotal role, with speculation swirling around Meenakshi Chaudhary as the potential female lead.

The Indian film industry’s growing appetite for genre-blending narratives, blending folklore with high-stakes drama, positions NC24 as a potential game-changer. As production accelerates, Chaitanya’s venture into uncharted cinematic territory signals a thrilling new chapter for the actor and his fans.

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Bollywood news

Shah Rukh Khan to make Met Gala debut in May 2025

The post described the moment as “history in the making,” igniting widespread anticipation.

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Shah Rukh Khan gets death threat from Chhattisgarh, caller demands Rs 50 lakh

Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s reigning superstar, is set to make history as the first Indian male actor to grace the Met Gala red carpet on May 5, 2025, at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Confirming weeks of fervent speculation, the actor will don a creation by India’s premier designer, Sabyasachi, for the prestigious fashion event, sending fans and fashion enthusiasts into a frenzy.

The confirmation came via an Instagram post from Diet Sabya, an anonymous fashion watchdog account, which declared, “National headlines. Social media in chaos. Entertainment portals buzzing. We can confirm: Shah Rukh Khan, India’s unrivaled icon, will debut at the Met Gala 2025 in Sabyasachi, India’s top luxury brand. Were we ever in doubt? See you on the carpet!” The announcement follows an earlier April teaser from the same account, hinting at a monumental collaboration between “the greatest Bollywood superstar” and “the biggest designer of our generation.” The post described the moment as “history in the making,” igniting widespread anticipation.

Khan’s appearance marks a significant milestone for Indian representation at the Met Gala, an event synonymous with high fashion and cultural influence. This year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition will trace the evolution of Black menswear, from 18th-century European dandyism to its modern global impact. The dress code, “Tailored for You,” invites attendees to interpret this rich cultural narrative, and Khan’s Sabyasachi ensemble is expected to blend Indian craftsmanship with the theme’s sartorial elegance.

The Met Gala’s global viewership, amplified by social media, has made it a cultural touchstone, with recent years seeing increased diversity in attendees. Khan’s debut, alongside Sabyasachi’s signature aesthetic, is poised to spotlight Indian artistry on a world stage. As anticipation builds for his red-carpet moment, the collaboration promises to fuse Bollywood charisma with high fashion, cementing Khan’s status as a global cultural ambassador.

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Bollywood news

Vikrant Massey to play Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in White

This ambitious project, helmed by producers Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain, aims to bring an inspiring chapter of modern history to the big screen.

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Vikrant Massey continues to captivate audiences with his versatile performances, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s most dynamic actors. Following the resounding success of 12th Fail and his compelling portrayal of a journalist in 2024’s The Sabarmati Report, Massey is gearing up for a transformative role as spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the upcoming global thriller White.

This ambitious project, helmed by producers Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain, aims to bring an inspiring chapter of modern history to the big screen.

The film, inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s life, delves into a lesser-known story of peace-building, highlighting how ancient Indian wisdom helped resolve one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. Set to begin filming in July, White is in advanced pre-production, with preparations underway in Colombia.

The production will feature an international cast and crew from Los Angeles, reflecting its global ambitions. The narrative promises to blend high-stakes drama with themes of humanity and reconciliation, offering a fresh perspective on peacekeeping efforts.

Massey is undergoing an extensive transformation to embody Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, immersing himself in the spiritual leader’s mannerisms and philosophy. Sources reveal that the actor has met Ravi Shankar to study his body language, ensuring an authentic portrayal.

The film will be shot in Hindi, English, and Spanish, with plans to dub it into additional languages to reach a worldwide audience. This multilingual approach aligns with the growing global appetite for stories that transcend cultural boundaries, as seen in recent international co-productions.

Directed by ad-filmmaker Montoo Bassi and co-produced by Peacecraft Pictures, White is poised to be a cinematic milestone. The project underscores Massey’s ability to tackle diverse roles, from grounded dramas to expansive thrillers.

Industry trends indicate a rising demand for biopics and socially relevant narratives, with audiences gravitating toward stories that blend entertainment with purpose. As White prepares to spotlight a pivotal moment in history, Massey’s portrayal is expected to resonate deeply, further elevating his stature in global cinema.

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