The youthful entertainer “Mad,” featuring Narne Nithin, Ram Nithin, and Sangeeth Shobhan, has generated considerable excitement through its promotional material. Directed by Kalyan Shankar, we attended the paid premiers of “Mad” to explore how the film fares.
Plot:
“Mad” revolves around three carefree individuals – Manoj (Ram Nithin), Ashok (Narne Nithin), and Damodhar (Sangeeth Shoban) – navigating their engineering college life. Engaging in minor college scuffles, their lives take interesting turns with romantic entanglements. Manoj falls for Shruthi (Gouri Priya), while Jenni (Ananthika) has feelings for Ashok. Damodhar, initially indifferent to relationships, undergoes a change when Vennela starts calling him daily. The film unfolds through the college experiences of these three friends.
Highlights:
The film lives up to its title, delivering slapstick comedy and numerous one-liners. College dramas are always a delightful watch, and “Mad” effectively taps into this nostalgic vein. The characters are relatable and entertaining, providing a continuous stream of humor. The movie successfully captures the essence of college memories. Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nithin, Narne Nithin, and Vishnu Oi contribute significantly to the film’s comedic success, with Sangeeth Shobhan and Vishnu Oi displaying impeccable timing. Sangeeth Shobhan’s expressions during phone conversations stand out. The performances of the cast, including the leading ladies, contribute to the film’s overall charm.
Drawbacks:
The songs, while not exceptional, slightly disrupt the flow. As advertised, “Mad” is a madcap entertainer, and those anticipating a well-developed plot with emotional depth may be disappointed. The primary twist towards the end is somewhat predictable. Intentional use of certain cuss words, catering to the youth demographic, may pose an issue for some viewers. A fight sequence appears out of place and overly dramatic, and some scenes may trigger recollections of older films.
Technical Aspects:
Despite average songs, Bheems Ceciroleo’s background score is commendable. The cinematography by Shamdat and Dinesh Krishnan B, along with strong production values, enhances the overall visual appeal. The film maintains a brisk pace, credit to the proficient editing team.
Director Kalyan Shankar demonstrates adept handling of the film, infusing it with tongue-in-cheek humor showcased in the trailer. Well-written dialogues and effective one-liners keep the audience engaged, compensating for the thin storyline.
Verdict:
“Mad” delivers on its promise of an entertaining experience. Packed with fun sequences targeted at a youthful audience, the situational comedy and one-liners hit the mark. The performances of Sangeeth Shobhan, Ram Nithin, Narne Nithin, and Vishnu Oi contribute significantly. However, the film’s thin storyline and the need to suspend logic for enjoyment are notable considerations. Overall, “Mad” succeeds in providing a lighthearted and amusing cinematic experience.