MAD Square is a coming-of-age comedy-drama and a sequel to the 2023 super hit MAD. The film has been surrounded with buzz due to the success of its first part. With a talented cast and crew, MAD Square promises to deliver a fun-filled experience. The film hit the theatres on 28th March, and let's see how it turned out to be.
MAD Square story revolves around Laddu (Vishnu Oi), who arrives at Tihar Central Jail, striking fear into everyone around him. Through flashbacks, the audience is transported back to Laddu's ill-fated wedding, where how his three friends, Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithiin), and Damodhar (Sangeeth Sobhan), turned his wedding into a disaster, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to his downfall.Following the wedding disaster, the narrative takes an unexpected and rather hilarious turn as the MAD gang, in their misguided attempt to console Laddu, whisk him away to Goa for his "honeymoon." This transition marks a shift in the film's tone, moving from familial chaos to a more adventurous and crime-adjacent setting. The rest of the story is a rollercoaster ride of fun, chaos, and surprises.
The film boasts a talented cast, with standout performances from Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Sobhan, Ram Nithin, Vishnu Oi, and Muralidhar Goud. The trio of Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithiin), and Damodhar (Sangeeth Sobhan) reprise their roles with good energy and chemistry. Narne Nithiin and Sangeeth Sobhan, in particular, showcase a natural flair for comedy, their delivery and reactions often delivered laughs.
Vishnu Oi shines as the central character, effortlessly making his struggles amusing for the audience. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he manages to make Laddu's struggles both relatable and amusing. Ram Nithin provides a solid and dependable performance as part of the comedic ensemble.
Muralidhar Goud, as Laddu's father, is another significant highlight of the film. His portrayal is both endearing and hilarious, with his comedic timing perfectly complementing the on-screen antics. Sunil's appearance as MAX, the gangster, adds a layer of seasoned comedic presence to the narrative, although his character could have been better. Priyanka Jawalkar, while visually appealing, doesn't have a role that offers significant scope for performance. Other supporting actors, including Raghu Babu, Anudeep KV, and Reshma Pasupuleti, contribute to the film's overall comedic atmosphere, even if their roles are somewhat limited. Subhalekha Sudhakar also delivers a commendable performance within his screen time.
Director Kalyan Shankar has come up with MAD which has a proper college backdrop along with story and songs with comedy tying them together throughout the film. While he comes to its sequel, MAD Square, his sole intention is to deliver a madcap fun entertainer without any logic or story. MAD Square is a lighthearted coming-of-age comedy that delivers a fair share of laughs. While the story takes a backseat, the film thrives on its entertaining moments. Though the film lacks consistency in delivering laughs, it packs a punch at regular intervals, making the film enjoyable on a whole. Another plus point for the film is its crisp run-time, which is much needed for such kind of madcap fun entertainers.
At its heart, MAD Square seems driven by a singular objective: to entertain. The narrative framework, while present, serves primarily as a vehicle for comedic set pieces and character-driven humor. This focus on lightheartedness is evident in the casting choices, the pacing of the film, and the overall tone. The director clearly understand their target audience. Furthermore, the crisp run-time is a significant asset.
The comedy worked out, with some sequences, especially Laddu's marriage in the first half. The comedic momentum continues into the second half, with several uproarious situations arising from the gang's misadventures in Goa. It is due to this reason that the film majorly worked, irrespective of forced comedy at times and a lack of cohesive storyline. The film's technical aspects, such as cinematography by Shamdat, production values by Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas and Srikara Studios, and editing by Navin Nooli, are adequate. The good cinematography captures the vibrant settings and enhances the overall look of the film. However, Bheems music is forgettable, with only the Swathi Reddy song standing out.
On the whole, MAD Square is a decent comedy entertainer with enjoyable performances and fun-filled moments. While it has its flaws, the film is a worthy watch if you enjoy comedy films. With its fun-filled moments and crisp run-time, MAD Square is a fair option for those looking for a lighthearted comedy. Considering all these aspects, Cinejosh goes with a 2.5 rating for MAD Square.