BOTTOM LINE
Squarely Underwhelms
RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 7m
What Is the Film About?
If Mad was all about college escapades, then Mad Square looks at fun post the college life. This time it starts with marriage, and then turns into something else.
Ganesh aka Laddu (Vishnu Oi), one of the four members of Mad gang is about to get married. That’s when Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithin) and Damodar(Sangeeth Sobhan) arrive and play spoilsport. To overcome the rejection the gang asks him to go to Honeymoon trip to Goa as planned. What happens there is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances
Narne Nithin looks more confident compared to Mad which was his debut outing. The timing has improved a little bit, which is the positive aspect. However, there is not much punches to deliver and there is no real character graph to talk about.
Ram Nithin gets less importance compared to the first outing. His comedy sketches are also the weakest of the lot especially in the first half. After a point, he gets related to the backseat without having much to do.
Finally, Sangeeth Sobhan is the best of the lot much like the first part. He gets the best punches and gags which are elevated further with his timing. Nothing is new we have seen him do the same before, though.
And last but not the least, Laddu (Vishnu Oi) is the livewire. It’s around his character that entire story rests on. Together with Sangeeth Sobhan, they create a riot when the gags work out.
Analysis
Kalyan Shankar writes and directs Mad Square. It is a direct sequel to the original movie Mad.
Mad Square takes off in similar style like Mad with Laddu (Vishnu Oi) narrating the movie’s story. It is one of many such call backs to the original.
The beginning is definitely funny as Laddu (Vishnu Oi) narrates his problems. Slowly we are introduced to various characters and what they are doing post college. Within the opening block while re-introducing these characters we see where the issue with the film could lie. The gags are not that strong and feel forced.
However, as soon as the proceedings move to the Laddu (Vishnu Oi) character’s marriage, things appear to be back on track. The whole block has punches flying nonstop. Some, if not all, land properly and deliver the laughs.
But, as is with the introduction block, the gags run thin and turn forced as they don’t feel organic and seem placed just for laughs sake. We see that with the comedy involving the bridegroom side. The quirkiness doesn’t come naturally to the setting.
Still, despite the issues the whole track coasts along milking the Laddu (Vishnu Oi) character and his situation. The problem is after a point we feel sympathetic towards him and comedy doesn’t work as it’s intended.
The narrative then moves to Goa and here we have a new plot involving a robbery added to the tale. This is a make or break deal as the extent of liking this decides the extent to which one might enjoy Mad Square overall.
The interval bang doesn’t offer much and the same expectations of a decent comedy continues.
Post intermission, the crime angle and new characters take centrestage. Sunil, Satyam Rajesh and Subhaleka Sudhakar essay these parts. They are given certain quirks and that milked to the maximum.
Unfortunately, the quirks turns repetitive very soon. The narrative feels dragged with nothing much to talk about story wise. The Laila track is just an excuse to prolong the proceedings. Of course, one doesn’t expect much in this regard and look forward to the silly laughs but even here they don’t all work.
After all the drag, the climax neatly wraps up the tale with a funny yet relatable take on friendship. The whole thing ends with Mad 3 announcement.
Overall, Mad Square is a illogical leave your brains behind comedy that offers fun in parts. It runs thin in gags intermittently and feels lengthy even at a little over two hours runtime. Try it, if mindless fun is all you look forward to.
Performances by Others Actors
There is big cast doing minor bits and pieces role. Some of them like Muralidhar Gaud and Raghu Babu etc are recurring players. The former is used to his fullest abilities here whenever the opportunity arises. The latter is okay in small appearance. Satyam Rajesh and Sunil are new additions. They have unique characters, and being the experienced artists they are, they pull it off with ease.
Music and Other Departments?
Bheema Cecerelio provides music and additional background score. S Thaman takes care of most of the BGM. The songs are alright, and the score keeps the narrative energetic. The cinematography is par for course. The editing is okay. There is hardly any lag, but we feel it as the gags are predictable.
Highlights?
Gangs Chemistry
Entertainment
Runtime
Drawbacks?
Robbery Track
Forced Comedy, At Times
Feels Lengthy
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but with expectations in check
Mad Square Movie Review by M9
