The much-anticipated Telugu coming-of-age comedy-drama, MAD Square, is here, and it’s time to dive into whether the film lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor, the super hit MAD (2023). With decent buzz surrounding its release, the film promises a good mix of fun, chaos, and unexpected twists, but does it manage to carry the same energy? Let’s break it down in our review.
Key Highlights:
1. Plot Overview: Laddu’s (Vishnu Oi) Chaotic Journey to Tihar Jail
Laddu (Vishnu Oi) enters the Tihar Central Jail, a figure who strikes fear into those around him. His arrival sparks curiosity among fellow prisoners, who ask what led to his imprisonment. Laddu then recounts the story of how his wedding disaster was set in motion by his three friends: Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithiin), and Damodhar (Sangeeth Sobhan). The events quickly spiral into a chaotic series of incidents that eventually lead to Laddu’s downfall.
While the plot may not be as gripping as some would expect, the story’s true charm lies in its humor and the outrageous situations the characters find themselves in. The film thrives on comedy and fun moments, making it more of a lighthearted ride than a deeply thought-provoking drama.
2. Characters and Performances: The Heart of the Film
The strength of this movie lies in its performances. The ensemble cast delivers solid performances, with Vishnu Oi standing out in the lead role. His portrayal of Laddu, a man trying to piece together his life amidst the chaos, is a delight, and his comedic timing is spot on. His ability to make the audience laugh through his struggles is one of the film’s major highlights.
Sangeeth Sobhan, Narne Nithiin, and Ram Nithin form the trio of Laddu’s friends, each bringing their own energy to the film. The camaraderie among them feels genuine, and their humor provides the right balance of wit and silliness.
The performance of Muralidhar Goud, who plays Laddu’s father, is another highlight. His impeccable comedic timing elevates the humor in several scenes and adds an extra layer to the movie’s appeal.
3. Comedy: Hits and Misses
While the movie excels in providing comedy, it doesn’t always hit the mark. There are some well-executed comedy sequences, especially the ones surrounding Laddu’s wedding disaster, that are entertaining and genuinely funny. Laddu’s wedding chaos is particularly engaging, with moments that keep the audience laughing.
However, as the movie progresses, the comedy starts to become uneven. Some jokes feel forced, and the humor begins to lose its organic flow. This becomes especially noticeable in the second half, where the energy drops, and the comedy doesn’t hit as hard.
Sunil’s character, Bhai, also doesn’t leave much of an impact. Despite his interactions with Muralidhar Goud, most of his scenes feel unnecessary, and his presence doesn’t add much to the overall story.
Additionally, Antony and Satyam Rajesh—both of whom have comedic potential—are underutilized in the film. Had their roles been better explored, they could have contributed significantly to the comedic elements of the film.
4. Music and Cinematography: A Mixed Bag
One of the areas where it falls short compared to its predecessor is in music. The film lacks memorable tracks or an engaging love story, which were key components of the original MAD. The only standout song is the one featuring Swathi Reddy, but apart from that, most of the music is forgettable.
The background score is decent and complements the film’s comedic tone, but it doesn’t elevate the experience. The cinematography is adequate for the film’s genre, and the production values are solid. However, the film doesn’t take any risks visually, and the direction by Kalyan Shankar plays it safe in this department.
5. Direction and Final Verdict: A Decent One-Time Watch
Under the direction of Kalyan Shankar, this is a film that delivers on fun moments, humor, and chaos, but it doesn’t quite manage to capture the same level of excitement and engagement as its predecessor. The first half of the film is packed with laughter, but the second half lacks the same energy and comedic punch, which could have been a major boost to the overall viewing experience.
Despite its uneven humor, the film’s performances—especially from Vishnu Oi, Ram Nithin, Narne Nithiin, and Sangeeth Sobhan—keep the entertainment alive. However, the absence of strong music and engaging secondary characters makes it less memorable than MAD.
If you enjoy comedy films with quirky characters and chaotic situations, MAD Square is worth a one-time watch. It won’t leave a lasting impression, but it will provide a fun and lighthearted cinematic experience.
MAD Square – Worth a Watch, But Not a Standout
To conclude, MAD Square succeeds in offering plenty of laughs, but it falls short in delivering a strong storyline and consistent humor throughout. If you’re looking for a feel-good comedy with some fun performances, MAD Square might be worth your time. However, it’s not quite as strong as its predecessor, and the uneven comedy and lack of engaging songs hold it back from being a standout in the Telugu comedy genre.
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