Movie: MAD Square
Rating: 2.5/5
Production Companies: Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four
Cast: Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nitin, Priyanka Jawalkar, Muralidhar Gowd, Raghu Babu, Reba Monica John, Satyam Rajesh, Anish Kuruvilla, KV Anudeep, Reba Monica John, and more.
Music: Bheems Ceciroleo
Background score: Thaman
Cinematography: Shamdat
Editing: Navin Nooli
Production Design: Sri Nagendra Tangala
Additional Screenplay: Pranay Rao Takkallapalli
Fight Master: Karunakar
Presenter: S Nagavamsi
Producers: Haarika Suryadevara and Sai Soujanya
Directed by: Kalyan Shankar
Release Date: March 28, 2025
The Premise: Does MAD Square Keep the Madness Alive?
Following the unexpected success of the original MAD, a zany college comedy that struck a chord with audiences, the makers sought to recreate that magic with a sequel. But does MAD Square captivate its viewers as effectively as its predecessor? Let’s dive into the plot and performances to find out.
The Story: A Not-So-Smooth Transition from College to Adulthood
Set against the backdrop of chaos and camaraderie, the film follows the lives of Manoj (Ram Nithiin), Ashok (Narne Nithiin), and Damodar, also known as DD (Sangeeth Shobhan), who have transitioned from their carefree college days into adulthood — one vying for a Sarpanch position, another serving as a police officer, and the third finding solace behind a bar counter. Their friend Laddu (Vishnu Oi), however, finds himself in a tighter spot – incarcerated.
The narrative unfolds with Laddu recounting the tale of how his wedding merriment spiraled into a fiasco, catalyzed by his friends’ unexpected entrance and a runaway bride. What follows is a wild escapade to Goa, leading to Laddu’s unfortunate arrest, but answers remain tantalizingly vague.
Performances: A Mixed Bag of Comedy
The trio—Ram Nithiin, Narne Nithiin, and Sangeeth Shobhan—reprise their comedic roles with gusto, though the absence of romantic entanglements notably shifts the dynamics. Narne Nithiin and Sangeeth Shobhan shine brighter with better comedic moments compared to Ram Nithiin, who often fades into the background.
Vishnu Oi effectively steals the spotlight as Laddu, his performance resonating well with the audience. Following an interval break, Sunil steps in and manages to extract a few laughs during the second half, while Muralidhar Gowd’s portrayal of Laddu’s father is another highlight. However, the humor offered by Satyam Rajesh feels somewhat flat, failing to land its punches.
Priyanka Jawalkar appears briefly as Laila, and Reba Monica John makes a splash with her item number debut, albeit in a perfunctory manner.
Technical Aspects: Routine Yet Predictable
While the first film’s soundtrack, particularly “College Papa,” was a chart-topping favorite, this sequel falters on the musical front, with only Swathi Reddy’s song leaving a lasting impression amid an otherwise loud and forgettable soundtrack.
The dialogue occasionally sparkles but is predominantly uninspired, and the technical aspects, from cinematography to editing, fall within the realm of the mundane.
Highlights and Drawbacks
Highlights:
- Humorous sequences during Laddu’s wedding
- Vishnu Oi’s standout performance
Drawbacks:
- Forced comedic situations
- Inconsistent pacing with patchy sequences
- Script lacks cohesion
- Many jokes simply don’t land
Final Analysis: A Missed Opportunity for Fun
Director Kalyan Shankar attempts to build on the established humor of the original MAD, but unfortunately, not all comedic moments strike a chord. While the first act capitalizes on the festivities of Laddu’s wedding, the narrative takes a nosedive post-interlude, particularly when the story takes an abrupt detour to Goa, resembling a chaotic rendition of Dil Chahta Hai without the charm.
A couple of unnecessary musical numbers and forced comedic sequences contribute to the film’s overwhelming drag, making viewers question the pacing and plot coherence. The introduction of Anudeep, celebrated for his deadpan humor, barely brings the gears back into motion. Even the moments of hilarity that do surface feel overly drawn out and repetitive.
Distinct from its predecessor, which thrived on vibrant campus antics, MAD Square falters due to its limited storyline and reluctance to delve deeper into genuine themes of friendship.
**Bottom Line:** Although MAD Square offers occasional laughs, the film ultimately feels padded and lacks narrative strength. Despite a few notable moments, it falls short of the delightful chaos of its predecessor, leaving audiences yearning for the original’s brilliance.
