MAD Square (2025) Movie: This Telugu Comedy Sequel Falls Short of Its Predecessor

Mad Square brings back the beloved comedy gang, but this time with mixed results. Stylized as MAD², this 2025 Telugu action-comedy is directed by Kalyan Shankar and produced by Haarika Suryadevara and S. Naga Vamsi. The film stars Narne Nithiin, Ram Nithin, Sangeeth Shobhan, and Ravi Anthony as three college buddies who navigate wild adventures.

Released in theaters on March 28, 2025, with a runtime of 127 minutes, the sequel attempts to recapture the magic that made the original Mad a surprise hit. The film brings back the core cast while adding new faces like Priyanka Jawalkar and Vishnu Oi to expand the story beyond college life.

Plot That Loses Its Way

The story picks up four years after the first film, with Ganesh Laddu in jail. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, showing how the MAD gang got into this mess. The story shifts to Vishnu’s wedding, where Manoj, Ashok, and Damodar arrive uninvited, setting off a series of fun situations.

I found the plot structure less engaging than the original. While the first film had the natural setting of college life, this sequel struggles with a broader canvas that sometimes feels disconnected.

Cast Performance

Narne Nithiin delivers solid comedic timing as Ashok, maintaining the charm that made him memorable in the original. His chemistry with Sangeeth Sobhan and Ram Nithin remains the film’s strongest asset.

Vishnu Oi gets a more prominent role and handles it well, though his character arc could have been developed further. The supporting cast, including Raghu Babu and Priyanka Jawalkar, provides adequate support but feels underutilized.

Technical Aspects

Kalyan Shankar shows his understanding of comedy filmmaking. The director successfully creates a fun-filled experience, keeping the runtime short and avoiding unnecessary scenes. His effort to maintain pace works in the film’s favor.

The cinematography captures both intimate character moments and broader comedic sequences competently. Bheems Ceciroleo’s music complements the tone without being intrusive, though it doesn’t reach memorable heights.

Critical Reception

The film has received mixed reviews across platforms. IMDB shows a 5.7/10 rating, indicating moderate audience reception. Rotten Tomatoes rated it 2.5/5 stars, reflecting the general critical consensus.

123Telugu.com gave it 3/5, noting MAD Square is a decent comedy entertainer with enjoyable performances while pointing out the lack of a strong story and inconsistent humor. Greatandhra.com rated it 2.5/5, with critics noting the sequel doesn’t match the original’s impact.

What Works

The central trio’s chemistry remains authentic and entertaining. The actors’ comedic timing is still sharp, and their friendship dynamics feel genuine. Kalyan Shankar’s decision to maintain brisk pacing prevents the film from becoming tedious.

What Doesn’t

The plot feels less cohesive than its predecessor. The humor, while present, lacks the freshness that made the original special. Some comedic sequences feel forced, and the film suffers from the common sequel problem of trying to be bigger rather than better.

I noticed the film works best when focusing on core friendship dynamics but struggles when it tries to expand beyond its comfort zone.

Final Thoughts

Mad Square offers decent entertainment for franchise fans but falls short of recapturing the original’s magic. While it provides several genuine laughs and maintains the cast’s chemistry, it feels more like a contractual obligation than creative necessity.

The film succeeds as a time-pass entertainer but fails to establish itself as a worthy successor. For viewers who enjoyed the original, it provides satisfactory continuation, though it may leave them wanting more innovation.

Rating: 2.5/5