Mad Square Movie Review: A Sequel That Struggles to Recapture the Magic
Sarkar Rating: 2.75/5 Release Date : March 28, 2025
Cast
Narne Nithin, Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nithin, Priyanka Jawalkar
Crew
Director : Kalyan Shankar
Producers : Haarika Suryadevara & Sai Soujanya
Music Director : Bheems Ceciroleo
Cinematographer : Shamdat (ISC)
Editor : Navin Nooli
Storyline: A Comedy of Errors in Goa
Mad Square brings back the beloved trio—Laddu, Damodar, and Ashok—from the original hit MAD. Following Damodar’s unsuccessful political stint, the friends reunite at Laddu’s wedding, which quickly spirals into unexpected chaos. Seeking a break, they embark on a trip to Goa, only to find themselves wrongfully accused of a robbery. As they scramble to clear their names, their misadventures unfold in a mix of comedy, confusion, and high-stakes drama.
Review: Does Mad Square Deliver on the Laughs?
As a sequel, Mad Square struggles to recapture the charm and spontaneity that made MAD a fan favorite. While the film starts on a somewhat engaging note, the chemistry between the leads—once effortless and authentic—now feels strained. The humor, a defining aspect of its predecessor, appears forced and lacks the natural wit that resonated with audiences in the first film.
The much-anticipated “marriage episode” in the first half, despite its buildup, delivers only a handful of laughs and falls short of expectations. The second half fares slightly better, with Murali Goud and Suneel’s comedic exchanges providing some amusement. The song “Na Muddhu Peru Swati Reddy” stands out as a commercial success, but beyond that, the film offers few memorable moments.
One of the biggest drawbacks of Mad Square is its lack of authenticity. While MAD was celebrated for its innocence and well-crafted characters, this installment struggles with forced humor and weak character dynamics. Laddu and Damodar, in particular, fail to make a lasting impact, resulting in a story that feels lackluster.
Performances & Technical Aspects
The performances are adequate, with Sangeeth Sobhan, Narne Nithiin, Ram Nithin, Vishnu, Suneel, and Muralidhar Goud delivering decent portrayals of their respective characters. However, the lackluster screenplay prevents them from truly shining.
Director Kalyan Shankar attempts to infuse comedy throughout the film, but many sequences come across as underdeveloped. A tighter, more engaging first half with better character utilization could have elevated the film’s impact.
Music & Production:
The soundtrack is largely forgettable, with the exception of the well-received “Swathi Reddy” song.
The background score is serviceable but doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Cinematography is functional, capturing Goa’s vibrancy but failing to add depth to the narrative.
Strong production values ensure the film looks polished, but the storytelling doesn’t match up.
Editing is passable, but a more crisp execution could have improved the pacing.
Positives
A few entertaining comedy sequences in the second half
The song “Na Muddhu Peru Swati Reddy” is a standout track
Negatives
Forced humor that lacks natural wit
Weak character development and strained dynamics
A predictable and underwhelming first half
Final Verdict: Is Mad Square Worth Watching?
While Mad Square has its fleeting moments of humor, it largely falls short of recapturing the magic of MAD. With forced comedy and weak character engagement, the sequel struggles to leave a lasting impression. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the original, this one might not be worth a trip to the theater.
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