Some films don’t need a sequel, and MAD Square is proof of that. Director Kalyan Shankar attempts to build on the success of MAD by turning it into a franchise, but the result is a predictable and uninspired comedy that quickly runs out of steam. While the premise offers some chuckles in the beginning, the film nosedives into a series of tired gags, weak character arcs, and a heist subplot that no one asked for.
The film follows Laddu (Vishnu Oi), who is about to get married but deliberately avoids inviting his troublemaking friends – Manoj, Ashok, and Damodar – for fear of them ruining his big day. Predictably, they crash the wedding, and what follows is a sequence of humiliation for Laddu that, while initially amusing, grows tiresome. Vishnu Oi and Muralidhar Rao, who plays his father, deliver commendable performances, but even their efforts cannot save this sinking ship.
Laddu eventually ends up in Tihar prison. As he narrates the story to the new inmates, we learn what happened to Manoj, Ashok, and Damodar – MAD.
The movie, an absurd comedy, relies on two major events – the wedding chaos and the aftermath. The wedding sequences provide some laughs, but once the story shifts to Goa, the film completely derails.
Sangeeth Sobhan, Narne Nithiin, and Ram Nithiin do their best to inject energy with their comedy timing and absurd humour, but their efforts are wasted in a script that lacks ambition. The second half, in particular, becomes a tedious watch, filled with uninspired gags and a heist plot that no one cares about. Even Sunil, who plays the eccentric villain Maxx, is let down by a poorly written character. His presence adds no real impact, making him just another forgettable antagonist.
Same goes for Satyam Rajesh. As an idiotic police officer, he tries to provide some laughter but his jokes never land, making his role feel utterly pointless.
The film also brings back Antony and Anudeep KV from the prequel, but their appearances serve no real purpose. Their inclusion feels like a desperate attempt to cash in on nostalgia rather than contributing anything meaningful to the story.
Perhaps the biggest issue with MAD Square isn’t its lack of logic; it is the absence of high stakes and an over-reliance on tired, predictable storytelling. The movie doesn’t even attempt to surprise the audience. Instead, it delivers a safe, formulaic comedy that leans too heavily on the charm of its cast rather than a strong script.
Music by Bheems Ciciroleo is another disappointment, failing to add any energy to an already dull narrative. The only saving grace is the cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen and the editing by Naveen Nooli, who at least manage to set the tone of the film.
The makers promise another sequel by the end of the film, hopefully at least that will be memorable.
Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the film. Neither TNM nor any of its reviewers have any sort of business relationship with the film’s producers or any other members of its cast and crew.