Ranganathan Madhavan, better known as R. Madhavan, has made a name for himself in both Bollywood and Tamil cinema with iconic films like Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Vikram Vedha, Tanu Weds Manu, Rocketry, Anbe Sivam, Aethirree, and many more. These movies are still loved and celebrated today.
In his upcoming movie Hisaab Barabar, R. Madhavan takes on the role of an honest and determined ticket checker (TC) who sets out to expose a massive financial scam. The scam is masterminded by DO Bank and its owner Mickey Mehta, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh. The film has all the right ingredients to become another memorable performance from the versatile actor!
The movie also boasts a solid ensemble cast, including Kirti Kulhari, Yogesh Tripathi, Rajesh Jais, and more. The movie is set to premiere on January 24th on Zee 5 Global, and we here at High on Films, had the chance to chat with R. Madhavan about his role, his co-stars, and the themes explored in the film. It was a fun and insightful conversation that gave us a peek into the layers of his character and the meaningful messages the movie brings to the table.
You can read the full conversation below:
Rishabh Shandilya: Hello, Mr. Madhavan. I’m Rishabh Shandilya, and it’s an absolute honor to meet you. I’ve been an ardent fan of your work for years, and eagerly waiting for everyone to see your upcoming film Hisaab Barabar because one man going against a massive bank is a very interesting premise. So, let’s kick off this interview with the most obvious question. You’ve played both positive and dark roles. What draws you more, feel-good characters or edgier ones? Give some examples.
R. Madhavan: (Playfully laughing) I’ve always been drawn to roles where an ordinary guy ends up doing something extraordinary and turns the world around whether it’s Tanu Weds Manu, Rocketry, or Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. These kinds of characters really clicked with me, and I enjoy playing them the most. But every now and then, I get a chance to explore some darker roles, like in Shaitan, which I also love because I get to bring bits of my life experiences into it. Still, there’s something special about the common man doing uncommon things that keeps pulling me back, I could never pass up a role like that!
Rishabh Shandilya: This is your first time working with Ashwini Dhir, the genius behind beloved classics like Lapataganj and One Two Three. How was the experience working with him? And how do you think your love for playing grounded, serious roles sits well with his extensive background in making comedic films and series?
R. Madhavan: I’m a big fan of Ashwini Dhir and his knack for social satires, especially Office Office. He really gets the public and knows how the government system works. What makes him stand out is his ability to tackle even the toughest topics with humor and satire, and you’ll see plenty of that in Hisaab Barabar. Working with him was an absolute treat. I completely trusted his vision and just went with the flow. It was such an exciting collaboration.
Rishabh Shandilya: The film is about systemic corruption and staying true to one’s values. As someone who’s been in the public eye for years, do you see any similarities between Radhe’s battles and the challenges you’ve seen in real life?
R. Madhavan: I think most people especially parents, would totally get the challenges shown in the film. Back then, our parents had passbooks (not to be confused with Facebook!) that clearly listed every rupee. How much was in the account, how much was credited or debited, it was all there. Nowadays, though, there are tiny deductions like bank fees or SMS charges that seem so small no one bothers to question them but it’s still our hard-earned money. When I read the script, I immediately knew this story would hit home for everyone because it’s something almost every Indian has experienced. My hope is that after watching this film, people start paying closer attention to their accounts and bank statements.
Rishabh Shandilya: Radhe is an idealist, who loves fighting for what is right. Were there any iconic idealist characters from Hindi cinema that might have influenced your portrayal, even subconsciously?
R. Madhavan: (With a thoughtful smile) Not that it’s exactly the same, but Anupam Kher’s National Award-winning role as B.V. Pradhan in Saaransh did cross my mind while playing this character. In that film, his character is an old man fighting to get his son’s ashes back so he can perform the last rites and get a death certificate. That level of emotional depth and conviction was something I kept in mind for my role.
Rishabh Shandilya: The movie is about the clash between good and evil. So, how was it sharing the screen with Neil Nitin Mukesh as the villain? Did that hero-villain difference spark any epic dynamics during the scenes? And were there moments where the tension felt so real it gave you goosebumps? In layman’s did that tension ever translate onto the screen?
R. Madhavan: I’ve known Neil for years, he’s like a brother to me and he’s such a sincere and talented actor. We got along wonderfully on set. Neil is genuinely sweet, and we’re both big fans of each other’s work. There were moments when he’d come up to me with questions, and I’d share my thoughts. It was amazing to see how he took those inputs and them seamlessly into his performance. I have no doubt Neil’s portrayal of Mickey Mehta will blow everyone away. And trust me, the showdown scenes between us are going to be the biggest highlights of the film!
Rishabh Shandilya: Did working with new co-actors, like Kirti, Neil, and Yogesh Tripathi, lead to any surprising or “aha!” moments that caught you off guard in a good way?
R. Madhavan: Kirti is an amazing actress, no matter how much I praise her talent, it’ll never feel enough. She’s so accomplished, and stepping in to do an age-appropriate romance at this stage in her career is no small feat, but she made it look effortless. Yogesh Tripathi is also fantastic in the film. Our interactions may have been brief, but they were memorable. I’d absolutely love to team up with him again, maybe for a fun, lighthearted comedy.
Rishabh Shandilya: Last question, before we end this; we always ask our guests about their favorite films, but since we’re called “High on Films,” could you share some movies that you believe represent the cinematic high—moments where you feel cinema truly reached its peak? What films made you feel that way?”
R. Madhavan: Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots are two of my all-time favorite films (which I starred in) because they didn’t just entertain, but they made a real impact on society. Rang De Basanti made people start thinking about the power of media and the importance of spreading real news, while 3 Idiots inspired the masses to follow their dreams instead of blindly sticking to society’s pre-set rules. Both films changed how people see their responsibilities as parents and how they approach their kids’ futures.
