MAD Square Movie Review: More Familiar Than Funny

Director: Kalyan Shankar
Cast: Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nitin, Narne Nithiin, Satyam Rajesh, Reba Monica, Muralidhar Goud
Music: S Thaman, Bheems Ceciroleo

1. A Sequel That Plays It Safe

Kalyan Shankar’s MAD Square feels like hearing the same joke told one too many times. It’s still kind of funny, but the punch just doesn’t land the way it used to. The original MAD was a surprise hit—a mix of silly fun, wild humour, and college chaos. It had that unpredictable charm that kept you laughing even when things got totally absurd.

Now, with MAD Square, the filmmakers have stuck to what worked the first time. But instead of building on it or trying something new, they’ve repeated the formula almost scene by scene. The result? A sequel that feels like a remix rather than a fresh track. It’s entertaining in parts, but that spark of madness doesn’t shine as brightly this time.

2. From College Chaos to Crime Capers

The heart of MAD was its relatability. It exaggerated college life in a hilarious way, but it still felt close to reality. Students pulling pranks, dramatic love stories, and nonsensical classroom moments—that’s what made it fun.

In MAD Square, the story takes a much wilder route. The trio—DD (Sangeeth Shobhan), Manoj (Ram Nitin), and Ashok (Narne Nithiin)—get caught in a bizarre mix of crime, confusion, and a mafia chase in Goa. The shift from college corridors to gang chases feels a bit forced. While the film still tries to be funny, the situations are so over-the-top that it’s hard to stay connected.

It’s not that absurdity is a problem—after all, MAD was all about nonsense. But there’s a fine line between illogical fun and plain chaotic storytelling. The sequel often crosses that line, making the plot feel more like a sketch show than a movie with flow.

3. Same Tricks, Less Surprise

The original MAD worked because you never saw the punchline coming. The jokes had a strange rhythm—starting normal, taking a weird turn, and landing in completely unexpected ways. That unpredictability made the comedy special.

In MAD Square, the same trick is used again and again: setup, twist, ridiculous reaction. But now, the audience knows the pattern. We’re not surprised anymore—we’re waiting for the joke to turn, and that anticipation kills the humour. It’s like watching a magician repeat the same trick—we know where it’s going.

To be fair, there are still moments that make you chuckle. Some jokes do work, and the characters still have great chemistry. But it’s clear the writers relied too much on the old formula instead of finding new ways to be funny.

4. Performances Keep the Fun Alive

One thing that still works in MAD Square is the cast. Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nitin, and Vishnu Oi bring back their wacky energy, and their comic timing is on point. Sangeeth, in particular, has a knack for delivering the most bizarre lines with a totally straight face, which is hilarious.

Muralidhar Goud, as the constantly annoyed father, is another highlight. He’s played similar roles before, but somehow, he still manages to make you laugh. The actors give their best, even when the material isn’t as strong as it was in the first film.

The problem isn’t the performances—it’s that the script doesn’t give them enough fresh or smart content to shine with. The actors are ready to go wild, but the situations don’t always support their madness.

5. Great Music, Forgettable Visuals

One area where MAD Square really steps up is the music. S Thaman’s background score gives the film a cinematic punch, and Bheems Ceciroleo’s songs bring a fun, folk vibe that fits the film’s chaotic tone. The soundtrack adds energy even when the jokes slow down.

The film is set in Goa, a location full of possibilities for fun, color, and madness. But unfortunately, the movie doesn’t really use the setting creatively. Instead of coming up with location-specific jokes or visual gags, it mostly just uses Goa as a pretty background. That’s a missed opportunity.

Visually, the movie is bright and clean, but there’s nothing standout or new about how it’s shot. It feels like the filmmakers were more focused on repeating the beats of the first film than exploring anything new visually or tonally.

Final Thoughts: Nostalgia Over Novelty

MAD Square is like revisiting your favorite hangout spot from college—it’s still fun, but the magic of the first visit is gone. There’s comfort in seeing familiar characters and hearing familiar jokes, but without any surprises, the fun wears off quickly.

Kalyan Shankar clearly understands what worked in the first MAD and tries to preserve it here. In doing so, though, he plays it too safe. The result is a sequel that entertains in bits but never really lifts off.

If you’re just looking to hang out with the old gang and relive the madness, MAD Square gives you enough laughs to enjoy. But if you’re hoping for something new, clever, or surprising, you might leave the theatre feeling like you’ve seen it all before.