"MAD Square" Movie Review: A Lighthearted Comedy That Packs a Punch but Misses Some Beats
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2023 surprise hit MAD, MAD Square has finally arrived on Netflix as of April 25, 2025, catering to audiences in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Directed by Kalyan Shankar, who also helmed the original, this Telugu-language comedy-drama brings back the beloved trio of Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Shobhan, and Ram Nitin, alongside a supporting cast that includes Priyanka Jawalkar, Muralidhar Goud, and Vishnu Oi. With its vibrant poster, energetic vibe, and promise of more college-style antics, MAD Square aims to recapture the magic of its predecessor. But does it succeed? Let’s dive into this 800-word review to find out.
A Familiar Setup with a Fresh Twist
MAD Square picks up where MAD left off, following the misadventures of the "MAD gang"—Manoj (Narne Nithiin), Ashok (Sangeeth Shobhan), and Damodar (Ram Nitin)—a group of friends whose chaotic energy and unbreakable bond made the first film a hit. The sequel kicks off on a humorous note, with the story shifting to Vishnu’s wedding within the first 15 minutes. The gang arrives uninvited, setting the stage for a series of comedic events that aim to keep the audience in splits. The premise, much like the original, doesn’t lean heavily on a complex plot but instead focuses on situational humor and the camaraderie between the leads.
The film retains its coming-of-age comedy-drama roots, exploring themes of friendship, youthful recklessness, and the absurdities of life after college. However, this time, the setting moves beyond the campus, giving the characters a broader playground to unleash their antics. The wedding backdrop provides fertile ground for misunderstandings, pranks, and heartfelt moments, but it also introduces new challenges for the writers to keep the humor fresh and engaging.
Performances That Shine
One of the biggest strengths of MAD Square is its ensemble cast, who deliver enjoyable performances that carry the film even when the script falters. Narne Nithiin, as Manoj, continues to be the emotional anchor of the group, balancing humor with vulnerability. His comic timing has improved since the first film, and he handles both the slapstick and the more grounded scenes with ease. Sangeeth Shobhan, playing Ashok, once again steals the show with his impeccable delivery and knack for being the group’s resident "bakra" (the butt of the jokes). His scenes, particularly during the wedding chaos, are some of the funniest in the film.
Ram Nitin as Damodar brings a different flavor to the trio, with his deadpan humor and subtle expressions adding depth to the group dynamic. Vishnu Oi and Muralidhar Goud also deserve mention for their supporting roles, with the latter’s comedic timing as a flustered elder adding a layer of hilarity to the wedding sequences. Priyanka Jawalkar, while charming, feels underutilized, with her character not given enough meat to make a lasting impact.
Humor That Hits and Misses
The humor in MAD Square is a mixed bag. The first half of the film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, particularly in the wedding scenes where the gang’s uninvited presence leads to a cascade of misunderstandings. Director Kalyan Shankar knows how to stage chaotic comedy, and the early portions of the film benefit from his knack for creating absurd yet relatable situations. The dialogue, peppered with witty one-liners and regional slang, resonates well with the target audience, especially younger viewers who can see shades of their own friendships in the gang’s banter.
However, the second half loses steam. The humor becomes inconsistent, with some gags feeling repetitive or forced. The lack of a strong, cohesive story becomes more apparent as the film progresses, and the narrative meanders, relying heavily on the actors’ charisma to keep things afloat. The original MAD thrived on its campus setting and the novelty of the "bakra" moments, but MAD Square struggles to find a new hook to sustain the momentum. A tighter script and better pacing in the latter half could have elevated the overall experience.
Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag
On the technical front, MAD Square delivers a decent but not outstanding package. The cinematography by Shamdat is adequate, capturing the vibrancy of the wedding setting and the scenic locales with a warm, colorful palette. However, there’s nothing particularly memorable about the visuals that sets the film apart. The editing by Navin Nooli is functional but could have been sharper, especially in the second half, where some scenes drag unnecessarily.
The music, composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, is another area where the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. While the Swathi Reddy song stands out as a catchy number, the rest of the soundtrack is forgettable. The background score by Thaman is decent, adding energy to the comedic sequences, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Production values, backed by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four, are strong, giving the film a polished look that suits its lighthearted tone.
The Verdict: A One-Time Watch for Comedy Fans
MAD Square is a film that banks heavily on the goodwill of its predecessor and the charm of its leads—and for the most part, it works. The first half delivers the madcap humor that fans of MAD will enjoy, and the performances by Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Shobhan, and Ram Nitin are a treat to watch. However, the film falters in its second half, with a lack of a strong story and inconsistent humor holding it back from being a true standout.
According to reviews aggregated from sources like 123telugu.com and greatandhra.com, the film has received mixed feedback. 123telugu.com calls it "a decent comedy entertainer with enjoyable performances," while greatandhra.com notes that it’s "not as funny as MAD," giving it a 2.5/5 rating. This sentiment aligns with my own experience—MAD Square is fun in parts but doesn’t quite live up to the high bar set by the original.
For fans of Telugu cinema and lighthearted comedies, MAD Square is worth a one-time watch, especially if you’re looking for something to stream on Netflix over the weekend. Its multi-language availability makes it accessible to a broader audience, and the film’s youthful energy is infectious. However, if you’re expecting a sequel that surpasses or even matches the hilarity of MAD, you might be left wanting more. Here’s hoping the hinted third installment in the franchise can bring back the magic with a tighter script and fresher ideas.
Rating: 3/5
Streaming on: Netflix (as of April 25, 2025)
Best For: Fans of Telugu comedies and those who loved the original MAD
Streaming on: Netflix (as of April 25, 2025)
Best For: Fans of Telugu comedies and those who loved the original MAD
