Mad Square Movie: Cast, Reviews & OTT Date 2025

Remember that one friend from college who could turn a simple group trip into a full-blown disaster—yet somehow, you’d laugh about it for years? That’s the vibe Mad Square captures in a nutshell. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the chaotic energy of youth crashes headfirst into adulting, this Telugu sequel to the 2023 hit MAD is your chaotic answer. But here’s the thing: while it delivers belly laughs in spades, it also stumbles a bit, leaving you questioning if the sequel magic was a one-time wonder. As a fellow Telugu cinema junkie who’s binged everything from Jathi Ratnalu to Mathu Vadalara, I couldn’t wait to dive in—and now, I’m spilling all the deets for you.

Released on March 28, 2025, Mad Square (or MAD², as it’s cheekily stylized) picks up four years after the original’s campus antics. Directed by debutant Kalyan Shankar—who nailed the first film’s irreverent charm—this one’s produced by the powerhouse duo of Haarika Suryadevara and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments. It’s already grossed over ₹100 crore at the box office, proving that audiences crave that bro-code comedy, even if critics are split. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s unpack the madness, from the cast that’s stealing hearts to the reviews that have everyone talking. Grab your popcorn—virtual or otherwise—and let’s roll.

The Cast of Mad Square: Familiar Faces, Fresh Chaos

One of the biggest draws here is how Mad Square brings back the core trio from MAD, now navigating post-college life with the same wide-eyed lunacy. These guys aren’t just actors; they’re the reason you’ll feel like you’re hanging out with your own squad.

• Narne Nithiin as Ashok: The brooding orphan-turned-bartender who’s still the group’s quiet storm. Nithiin amps up the deadpan humor this time, delivering lines that hit like a slow-burn punchline. If you loved his awkward charm in the first film, he’s evolved—just don’t expect him to crack a smile easily.
• Sangeeth Shobhan as Damodar “DD”: Oh, DD— the extroverted village boy who’s now a cop and self-appointed leader. Shobhan steals every scene he’s in, especially with his over-the-top energy during the Goa escapades. He’s the glue holding the comedy together, and honestly, he deserves a spin-off at this point.
• Ram Nithin as Manoj: The aspiring Sarpanch with a heart of gold (and a knack for bad decisions). Nithin gets fewer spotlight moments compared to the others, which some fans have griped about, but when he shines—like in the wedding fiasco—it’s gold.

Then there’s the wildcard: Vishnu Oi as Ganesh “Laddu”, the new addition whose botched wedding kicks off the whole plot. Laddu’s not just comic relief; he’s the emotional core, blending vulnerability with slapstick in a way that had me rooting for him from minute one. Vishnu’s timing is spot-on, turning what could be a clichéd sidekick into a breakout star. Supporting players like Priyanka Jawalkar (as a feisty love interest), Sunil (in a hilarious cameo as the villainous “Max”), and cameos from Satyam Rajesh and even a quick nod to the original heroines add layers of nostalgia without feeling forced.

Read More: Guntur Kaaram: Cast, Budget, and Box Office Insights for Fans

It’s this ensemble chemistry that elevates Mad Square from generic bro-com to something that feels authentically Telugu—full of inside jokes, regional quirks, and that unspoken bond only long-time friends share. But more on the story next.

Plot Breakdown: From Wedding Woes to Goa Gone Wild

Spoiler-light alert: Without giving away the punchlines, here’s the gist. Four years post-MAD, our heroes—Manoj, Ashok, and DD—are “adults” now: one’s chasing village politics, another’s enforcing the law (badly), and the third’s slinging drinks. Enter Laddu, their hapless buddy whose wedding day spirals into a comedy of errors, thanks to the trio’s “helpful” interference. Cue a frantic escape to Goa, where a botched heist, shady deals, and one too many beachside brawls turn their getaway into a survival-of-the-fittest farce.

Kalyan Shankar’s script leans hard into the Hangover-esque template—yes, it’s been called a loose remake, with the bachelor party vibes and memory-lapse gags—but infuses it with Telugu flavor: think overbearing parents, unexpected cameos, and songs that pop up like uninvited relatives. The first half is a riot, building tension through escalating mishaps that had my theater erupting in laughter. But the second? It meanders into a heist subplot that feels tacked on, testing your patience before wrapping up on a feel-good note.

What works: The themes of enduring friendship hit home. In a world where “adulting” means bills and breakups, Mad Square reminds us why those college bonds matter—flaws, fights, and all. What doesn’t: Some jokes veer into uncomfortable territory, like off-color bits about mental health or gender stereotypes that landed flat for me (and many others). It’s not offensive enough to ruin the fun, but in 2025, we can do better, right?

Pros:

• Non-stop energy in the ensemble scenes.
• Relatable take on how friendships evolve (or don’t).
• Goa visuals that scream “vacation envy.”

Cons:

• Uneven pacing—feels stretched at 2 hours.
• Relies too much on formula; lacks the original’s surprise factor.
• A few songs that halt the momentum (looking at you, those three item numbers).

Compared to MAD, which captured that raw college buzz, Square trades innocence for absurdity. If the first was a spark, this is a bonfire—warm, but occasionally smoky.

Mad Square OTT Release Date: When and Where to Stream the Madness

Missed the theaters? No sweat—Mad Square hit Netflix on April 25, 2025, just weeks after its box-office run. Available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, it’s perfect for pan-India bingeing. The platform teased it with “The boys are back with double the MADness!”—and yeah, that hype holds up for casual viewing.

Why Netflix? It fits their slate of youthful Telugu hits like MAD itself. Satellite rights went to Gemini TV, but streaming’s where the replay value shines. Pro tip: Pair it with a group watch; solo, it loses some punch.

For deeper dives, check our full guide to Telugu OTT releases this year—it’s got timestamps for the best laugh-out-loud scenes.

Mad Square Movie Reviews: Hits, Misses, and Fan Frenzy

Reviews for Mad Square are a mixed bag—much like the film itself. Critics praise the vibes but poke at the execution, while audiences are more forgiving if you’re in the right crowd.

From the top outlets:

Source	Rating	Key Takeaway
Times of India	3/5	“A fun, lighthearted entertainer with vibrant humour… though a tighter second half could elevate it.”
Great Andhra	2.5/5	“Not as funny as MAD, but delivers occasional laughs—feels stretched.”
India Today (via Wikipedia)	2.5/5	“Moments of laughter, but weak arcs and uneven half hold it back.”
Rotten Tomatoes	~60% (Audience)	“Passable with friends, but nothing memorable—good comedy, no story.”
The Hindu (via Wikipedia)	Mixed	“Patchy absurd comedy; a few segments bring the house down.”

On IMDb, it’s hovering at 5.7/10, with users raving about the comedy timing (“Couldn’t stop laughing!”) but slamming the cringe (“Worst sequel ever”). Reddit’s Tollywood thread? Pure chaos—some call it “brainless fun worth a watch,” others “a drag with offensive jokes.” Me? I’d say it’s a solid 3/5: Great for a tipsy Friday night, but don’t expect MAD‘s spark.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions on Mad Square, Answered

Wrapping Up the Square: Worth the Chaos?

Look, Mad Square isn’t perfect—it’s messy, overstuffed, and occasionally cringy, much like that epic group trip you swore you’d never repeat. But damn if it doesn’t capture the joy of unbreakable friendships in a way that sticks. For intermediate fans like us, who’ve laughed through MAD‘s highs and Telugu cinema’s ups and downs, it’s a nostalgic romp that reminds you why we love these stories: not for the plot, but for the people.

If you’re itching for more laughs, fire it up on Netflix this weekend. And hey, need tailored recs on similar flicks or a deep dive into Kalyan Shankar’s style? Explore our full Telugu comedy guide. Got thoughts on the sequel—love it, hate it, or somewhere in the MAD middle? Drop ’em in our free Slack community; let’s chat like old pals.