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"MAD Square," the latest Telugu coming-of-age comedy-drama, serves as a sequel to the 2023 super hit "MAD." Directed by Kalyan Shankar and featuring a cast led by Narne Nithin, Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nithin, and Priyanka Jawalkar, the film aims to recapture the comedic charm of its predecessor. The story revolves around Laddu (Vishnu Oi), who finds himself incarcerated in Tihar Central Jail. His fellow inmates, intrigued by his presence, implore him to recount the events that led to his imprisonment. Laddu then narrates a tale of how his three friends, Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithiin), and Damodhar (Sangeeth Sobhan), inadvertently transformed his wedding into a chaotic disaster, triggering a chain of unexpected twists and turns that ultimately resulted in his downfall. The narrative promises a blend of fun, chaos, and surprises, best experienced on the big screen. The film's strengths lie in its lighthearted approach to comedy. While the storyline may not be the primary focus, "MAD Square" aims to deliver a consistent stream of laughs and entertaining moments. The performances of the three lead actors—Sangeeth Sobhan, Narne Nithiin, and Ram Nithin—are highlighted as energetic and engaging, effectively sustaining the film's comedic tone. Vishnu Oi, portraying the central character of Laddu, receives praise for his ability to make his character's struggles amusing and relatable to the audience. Muralidhar Goud, in the role of Laddu's father, is also recognized for his comedic timing and contribution to the film's humor. Specific comedic sequences, particularly those centered around Laddu's wedding, are noted as being well-executed and entertaining. Additionally, some moments in the second half of the film are said to land well, ensuring that the audience remains engaged with a sufficient dose of laughter. However, the film also faces criticism for its uneven comedy. While marketed as a comedy, some jokes are perceived as falling flat, and at times, the humor feels forced or contrived rather than organic and spontaneous. The second half of the film, in particular, is considered to lack the same level of energy and comedic impact as the first half. The character of Bhai, played by Sunil, is deemed to be underwhelming, with most of his scenes feeling unnecessary or lacking in purpose. Supporting characters, such as Antony and Satyam Rajesh, are also seen as underutilized, representing a missed opportunity to further enhance the film's comedic potential. A key point of comparison is made between "MAD Square" and its predecessor, "MAD." According to the review, this installment lacks the engaging songs and memorable love track that contributed to the entertainment value of the first film. This absence is said to make "MAD Square" feel slightly less enjoyable in comparison. From a technical standpoint, director Kalyan Shankar is acknowledged for delivering a film with fun moments and plenty of laughs, even if it doesn't always maintain logical consistency. However, the review suggests that a tighter second half, with better-developed and utilized characters, could have significantly improved the overall viewing experience. The musical score, composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, receives mixed feedback. While the Swathi Reddy song is highlighted as a standout track, the rest of the songs are described as forgettable. The background score is considered decent, the cinematography is adequate, and the production values are deemed strong. The editing, overseen by Navin Nooli, is described as being merely okay, without further elaboration.
Delving deeper into the comedic aspects, the review subtly hints at a potential reliance on slapstick or situational humor, which, while capable of generating laughs, might not resonate with all viewers. The effectiveness of comedy is highly subjective, and what one audience member finds hilarious, another might find tedious or predictable. The unevenness of the humor in "MAD Square" suggests an inconsistency in the writing or direction, where some comedic setups fail to deliver the intended payoff. The observation that the second half lacks the energy and comedic impact of the first half is a significant concern. This indicates a potential issue with pacing or plot development, where the initial momentum of the film wanes as the story progresses. A strong narrative structure typically maintains a consistent level of engagement throughout the film, whereas a weaker structure can lead to a noticeable drop in interest in the latter half. The underutilization of supporting characters is a recurring criticism in many films. When supporting characters are not given sufficient development or purpose, they can feel like mere window dressing, failing to contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative. In the case of "MAD Square," the review suggests that characters like Antony and Satyam Rajesh could have been used to enhance the comedic elements of the film, but their potential was not fully realized. The absence of engaging songs and a memorable love track is a notable departure from the formula of many successful Telugu films. Music often plays a crucial role in setting the mood, conveying emotions, and creating memorable moments for the audience. Similarly, a well-developed love track can add depth and emotional resonance to the story. The lack of these elements in "MAD Square" may contribute to its perceived lack of entertainment value compared to its predecessor. The director's ability to balance fun and laughter with logical consistency is also brought into question. While comedy often relies on exaggeration and absurdity, it is important for the story to maintain a degree of internal coherence. When the plot becomes too convoluted or illogical, it can detract from the overall viewing experience. The review's suggestion that a tighter second half with better-utilized characters could have elevated the overall experience underscores the importance of strong storytelling and character development. Even in a comedy, these elements are essential for creating a satisfying and memorable film.
In conclusion, "MAD Square" emerges as a decent comedy entertainer, primarily driven by the enjoyable performances of its cast, particularly Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Sobhan, Ram Nithin, Vishnu Oi, and Muralidhar Goud. However, its lack of a strong, compelling story and the inconsistent nature of its humor, especially in the second half, prevent it from achieving true standout status within the comedy genre. The review suggests that "MAD Square" is worth a one-time viewing for those who appreciate comedy films and are looking for a lighthearted and entertaining experience. However, viewers should be aware of its limitations in terms of narrative depth and comedic consistency. The 123telugu.com rating of 3/5 reflects this assessment, indicating that the film is moderately enjoyable but falls short of being a must-see cinematic experience. The review team at 123telugu.com offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the film's strengths while also pointing out its weaknesses. This allows potential viewers to make an informed decision about whether or not to watch "MAD Square" based on their personal preferences and expectations. Ultimately, the film's success will depend on its ability to connect with audiences and provide them with a sufficient amount of laughter and entertainment. While it may not be a groundbreaking or unforgettable film, "MAD Square" has the potential to be a pleasant and enjoyable diversion for those seeking a lighthearted comedic experience. The key takeaway is that the film's strengths lie in its comedic performances and individual moments of humor, while its weaknesses lie in its overall narrative structure and consistency of comedic execution. The success of the first film, "MAD", set a high bar that "MAD Square" appears to struggle to clear entirely. The absence of elements like memorable music and a strong love track further contributes to the feeling that the sequel, while entertaining, does not quite live up to the original. For viewers who enjoyed the first film, "MAD Square" might still offer a degree of satisfaction, but it is important to approach it with realistic expectations and an understanding of its limitations. The film's value lies primarily in its ability to provide a lighthearted and humorous escape, rather than offering a deeply meaningful or intellectually stimulating experience.
Source: Mad Square Telugu Movie Review and Rating, Narne Nithin