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

Published

2 years ago

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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.

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Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

8 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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Mushtaq Khan

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

5 days ago

on

September 20, 2026

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deepika-padukone-ranveer

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

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Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 9, 2026

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Drishyam 3 trailer

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.

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