'MAD', produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, was released in theatres today.
Plot
Damodhar, Manoj, Ashok join an Engineering college. They hail from different backgrounds but what unites them are the typical youthful traits. They want the attention of girls, they seek reckless fun, they want to bunk classes, and they make merry in the hostel 24/7. Through the four years of their college life, they evolve from being reluctant students to happy graduates.
Performances
Newcomer Sangeeth Shobhan, who has previously acted in two web series, is the film's Numero Uno performer. He is almost the lead man with Narne Nithin and Ram Nithin supporting him throughout. The three actors bring raw energy to their characters. Since their characters are derivative in nature, their performances had to be invariably fresh. Their chemistry is gradual and organic.
Vishnu Oi, as Laddu, is rib-tickling in a handful of scenes. He is the second-best comedian in the film after Sangeeth.
Sri Gouri Priya Reddy, Ananathika Sanilkumar, and Gopikaa Udyan don't over-perform. They share natural chemistry with their respective pairs. Raghu Babu (as the college principal), Muralidhar Goud (as Laddu's irate father), Anthony, and others fit the bill.
Technical Departments
Bheems Ceciroleo's songs work more in the context of the film than in the jukebox. The festive atmosphere lent by the songs helps the campus comedy assume a boisterous vibe. At the same time, the songs are not overbearing. They gel with the cheery mood of the film thoroughly. Navin Nooli's editing is a big asset; the second half is where his editing is even crisper. The cinematography by the Shamdat-Dinesh Krishnan B duo is a big plus.
Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas ensure excellent production values throughout.
Post-Mortem
Writer-director Kalyan Shankar is helped by the additional screenplay written by Praveen Pattu and Pranay Rao Takkallapalli. The story revolves around the MAD trio (Manoj, Ashok and Damodhar). The 'D' is a dumbo who is self-deprecating. The 'A' is an orphan behaving beyond his age. He appears gloomy at first but becomes socially uptight as the story progresses. His track with his pair inhabits a proper romantic drama zone. The third guy knows how to flirt like a pro. He inhabits a proper rom-com zone.
It is not like the film is full of original jokes. The references to 'intercourse' and the one mastur*ation joke are definitely not original. But what works in favour of the film is the ever-present mad energy. Or, should we call it, the MAD energy?
The Censor Board shows flair by allowing the forbidden 'G' word in Telugu. And this is not a deliberately mindless comedy like 'Jathi Rathnalu', where the story just didn't matter. The story has an arc here. The love track of Damodhar, the self-confessed clown, is topped with a hilarious yet emotional touch.
The Badminton practice sessions track is hilarious. In the second half, the girls' hostel episode is another fun ride. The film, while trying to be a self-aware comedy, also adheres to certain commercial masala tropes.
Closing Remarks
'MAD' is pure fun but it also has some emotional moments. If you are a stickler for campus fun, this one will bring a big smile to your face.
