The Telugu action comedy movie Mad Square (MAD²), which was grandly released in theaters on March 28, 2025, is the sequel to the 2023 super hit Mad. Written and directed by Kalyan Shankar and produced by Sitara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film stars Narne Nithin, Sangeet Shobhan, Ram Nithin, Vishnu Oye, Priyanka Jawalkar, Muralidhar Goud, Sunil, Satyam Rajesh and others. With music by Bheems Cicerolio, cinematography by Shamdut Sainuddin, and editing by Naveen Nooli, the film created huge expectations with the success of Mad. Did this sequel deliver laughs, recreate the magic of Mad, or disappoint? Let me tell you about my feelings, movie highlights, and shortcomings in this review
What is the story?
Four years after the events of the movie Mad, Ganesh alias Laddu (Vishnu Oy) is in Tihar Jail. Everyone in the jail is scared with his arrival. When six students ask Laddu why he came to jail, he explains the story that happened three months ago. Manoj (Ram Nithin) works as a bartender and is in the throes of a breakup with Shruti (Gopika Udayan). Ashok (Narne Nithin) is fighting with his aunt over property. Damodar alias DD (Sangeet Shobhan) is contesting for the post of Sarpanch. During this time, Laddu wants to keep his marriage a secret and marry Pooja (Reba Monica John). But, these three friends (Manoj, Ashok, DD) go to a wedding with Shiva without an invitation. Unexpectedly, Pooja runs away with someone else, and the wedding is called off. To get Laddu out of this pain, they go to Goa for a honeymoon trip that he had planned. There, they get caught up in a case of theft of a valuable locket. Gangster Bhai (Sunil) kidnaps Laddu's father (Muralidhar Goud). Who is Laila (Priyanka Jawalkar)? What happened in that theft case? How did Laddu's father get saved? What is the twist in Ashok's role? You will know after watching the movie.
My Feelings: First half is a laugh ride, second half is a drag!
When the movie starts, after watching Laddu's jail entry, Mad characters' re-introduction, and the wedding scenes, I felt, "Oh, this is a Mad-like laugh festival!" The 30-minute wedding episode in the first half was a laugh riot! Muralidhar Goud's underwear scene, Laddu's bride elope scene, Vishnu Oi's timing made me think "Wow, these scenes are super!". The comedy sketches of Sangeet Shobhan as Didi and Narne Nitin as Ashok were well worked out. "Maybe they'll make more noise with the Goa trip and crime track in the second half!" I thought.
But, the story completely faded in the second half. The Goa trip, locket theft, and Bhai track seemed very routine and forced. Although Sunil and Satyam Rajesh's comedy made me laugh at some places, the repetitive quirks bored me. "Hey, where's the fresh humor like Mad?" I thought. The Laila track and Reba Monica item song felt unnecessarily stretched. The 2 hours and 7 minutes runtime was crispy, but it would have been better if 15 minutes had been trimmed in the second half. The friendship take in the climax was decent, but it lacked the emotional impact of Mad. Overall, while the first half impressed with its laughs, the second half was disappointing with its weak screenplay and routine comedy.
Technical aspects, acting
Shamdutt Sainuddin's cinematography was decent. The Goa and wedding settings were visually vibrant, but the college freshness of Mad was missing. Bheems Cicerolio's music was a mixed bag—the song 'Swathi Reddy' was a hit in the theatres, but the rest of the songs were not memorable. Thaman's background score energetically supported it. Naveen Nooli's editing was sharp in the first half, but it faltered due to the stretch in the second half. Sitara Entertainment's production values were good, but the script's weakness did not give the full impact. Kalyan Shankar's direction impressed with his comic sense in the first half, but he faltered in writing the screenplay in the second half.
In acting, Vishnu Oi Laddu is the show stealer! His comedy timing, expressions, and energy in the wedding scenes made me feel "Wammmo, this laddu is super!". Sangeet Shobhan made me laugh with his affable screen presence as Didi, his silly humor is perfect. Narne Nitin Ashok looked more confident than Mad, but the character arc was weak. Ram Nitin Manoj was decent, but his comedy sketches had less impact. Muralidhar Goud entertained with comedy as Laddu's father. Sunil Bhai and Satyam Rajesh as the policeman made some scenes laughable, but the impact was reduced due to repetitive quirks. Priyanka Jawalkar as Laila, Reba Monica as Soso, the heroine roles were underutilized.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
Vishnu Oy's performance—Comedy timing in Laddu Roll, energy is super.
First half—30-minute wedding episode is a laugh riot, laughter is guaranteed.
Sangeet Shobhan, Narne Nithin's comedy—Silly humor, timing is a good workout.
Crispy runtime—The movie ran without getting bored in 2 hours and 7 minutes.
'Swathi Reddy' song—Brought a youthful buzz in the theaters.
Dislikes:
Weak screenplay—Goa, crime track routine, forced humor in the second half.
Mad magic missing—Lack of college vibe, organic humor.
Repetitive comedy—Sunil, Satyam Rajesh's quirks are boring.
Unnecessary tracks—Laila's role, item song are stretched.
Weak character arcs—Manoj, Ashok's roles lack depth.
Who can watch it?
Mad Square is a decent watch for fans of slapstick comedy, youthful entertainers, Mad fans, Narne Nithin, Sangeet Shobhan, Vishnu Oy. With a U/A certificate, there are some comedy and action scenes, so youth, college students, and family audiences can enjoy it. You can try the Laddu Pelli episode and Sunil's comedy in the theater. But, those who expect fresh humor, a strong story, and emotional depth like Mad will be disappointed. There is no announcement about the OTT release yet (possibly on Netflix), so those in the mood for a light comedy can watch it in the theater.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mad Square brought laughter with the performances of Vishnu Oy, Sangeeth Shobhan, and Narne Nithin, the first half with the wedding episode, and the crispy runtime. Sitara Entertainments production, ‘Swathi Reddy’ song plus. But, the second half is a week screenplay, routine comedy, missing mad freshness, and unnecessary tracks, which caused the movie to stop halfway. Comedy lovers and Mad fans can watch it once in the theater, but don't expect the blockbuster magic of Mad.
Release Date: March 28, 2025 (Theaters)
Director: Kalyan Shankar
Cast: Narne Nithin, Sangeet Shobhan, Ram Nithin, Vishnu Oy, Priyanka Jawalkar, Muralidhar Goud, Sunil, Satyam Rajesh
Music: Bheem's Cicerolio
Cinematography: Shamdut Sainuddin