The much-anticipated sequel Mad Square has hit theaters today, March 28, 2025, bringing back the beloved characters from its 2023 predecessor Mad. As fans flock to catch the first day, first show, social media platforms have quickly lit up with reviews and reactions, creating a buzz around a film that's both entertaining and somewhat uneven.
Early reviews suggest that Mad Square starts strong, with a first half that lives up to the hype. Viewers have praised director Kalyan Shankar's ability to infuse comedy into every scene, with many singling out an extended marriage sequence as a highlight. This 30-minute segment has been described as a "laugh riot." One enthusiastic viewer tweeted, "#MAD2 Very good first half. The director infused comedy into every scene. The entire marriage sequence, which lasts for 30 minutes, is a LAUGH RIOT. All the actors did well, but it is #LADDU who steals the show in the first half. Waiting for the second half!"
Indeed, the character Laddu, portrayed by Vishnu Oi, has emerged as the standout performer in the film, captivating audiences with his comedic timing and expressions. However, the second half of Mad Square has drawn mixed reactions. While some viewers found it maintained the energy of the first part, others felt it didn't quite match the high bar set earlier. This dip in momentum has led to a range of overall impressions, with some feeling that a stronger second half could have elevated the film from good to great.
Technical aspects of Mad Square have also received praise, particularly the work of cinematographer Shamdat Sainudeen and editor Navin Nooli, who have enhanced the film's visual appeal. The music, composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, has gained popularity, especially the upbeat track "Swathi Reddy," which has resonated well with audiences. One viewer noted, "Except for the first 40 mins, nothing worked after that. Complete chaos. The Swathi Reddy song is good. The other 3 songs are not."
The film retains much of the original cast, including Narne Nithiin, Ram Nithin, and Sangeeth Sobhan, who reprise their roles as Laddu's friends, adding to the nostalgic charm of the sequel. The story follows Laddu as he arrives at Tihar Central Jail, where he recounts the events that led to his incarceration, primarily focusing on how his friends turned his wedding into a disastrous affair.
Despite the engaging first half, the second half of Mad Square has been criticized for its lack of coherence. Some critics argue that while the film was never marketed as story-driven, the uneven comedy detracts from the overall experience. A review from 123telugu.com gave the film a rating of 3/5, stating, "While the film has its fun moments, the lack of a strong story and inconsistent humour—especially in the second half—keep it from being a standout."
Another review echoed similar sentiments, stating, "The film focuses solely on comedy, often at the expense of logic. Several comedic scenes, especially in the second half in Goa, fail to land properly." The narrative shifts to Goa, where the characters find themselves embroiled in unexpected chaos, including a robbery subplot that some found underwhelming.
While the performances of the main cast have been generally well-received, with Sangeeth Sobhan and Narne Nithiin delivering commendable performances, some characters felt underutilized. Sunil's character, Bhai, was noted for not leaving much of an impression, and supporting roles by Antony and Satyam Rajesh missed opportunities to enhance the comedy.
Critics have pointed out that the film's attempts at humor sometimes feel forced rather than organic. One review remarked, "The writing is quite weak, with very few engaging moments that stand out. The writer has focused more on creating situations that allow for comedy rather than building strong narrative hooks."
Despite the criticisms, Mad Square has been described as a decent comedy entertainer, especially for those seeking lighthearted fun. The film's runtime of 127 minutes has been praised for its crispness, allowing for a relatively fast-paced viewing experience. As one viewer put it, "#MadSquare is a decent timepass comedy entertainer that delivers what it promises for the most part!"
In conclusion, Mad Square offers a mix of laughter and frustration, with its first half winning over audiences while the second half leaves room for improvement. As fans of the original film settle into their seats for this sequel, it remains to be seen whether the charm of the first installment can be recaptured in future sequels. For now, it stands as an entertaining watch, especially for those who enjoy comedic films.
