The cast of Mad (film) delivers a powerhouse performance in this 2023 Telugu coming-of-age comedy-drama that captured hearts with its youthful energy and relatable campus vibes. Directed by debutant Kalyan Shankar, Mad movie cast features fresh faces like Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Shoban, and Ram Nithin as the core trio, alongside charming leads Sri Gouri Priya Reddy and others. The movie was a blockbuster, released on October 6, 2023, spawning a follow-up, Mad Square, in 2025, and a personal favorite among fans, as the storyline of antics and emotional involvement is extremely funny and touching.
Main Cast of Mad Movie
The cast of Mad (film) shines with debutants bringing authenticity to college life. Narne Nithiin plays Ashok, the reserved rich orphan who joins MAD after dazzling at basketball, earning Best Male Debut nomination at SIIMA 2024.
Sangeeth Shoban as Dharmodar “DD”, the village boy turned president, won SIIMA Best Male Debut—his energetic lead cements him as a rising star. Ram Nithin’s Manoj, the playboy chasing true love, also nabbed a SIIMA nod.
Sri Gouri Priya Reddy charms as Shruthi, the ambitious girlfriend testing long-distance bonds. Ananathika Sanilkumar‘s bubbly Jennie sparks with Ashok, while Gopika Udayan‘s Radha delivers the emotional payoff.
Supporting gems include Vishnu Oi as insecure Ganesh “Laddu” (SIIMA Best Comedian winner), Karthikeya Samala as tough Shiva, Raghu Babu as strict principal, and cameos by Ravi Anthony Pudota, Charan Peri, and K.V. Anudeep. Music by Bheems Ceciroleo amps tracks like “Proud’se Single” and “College Papa,” with cinematography by Shamdat Sainudeen.
Main Cast of Mad (film)
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Narne Nithiin | Ashok | Private, a lonewolf orphan from a rich family, the most introverted of the MAD trio |
| Sangeeth Shobhan | Dharmodar “DD” | An extrovert team leader, a college president from a village |
| Ram Nithin | Manoj | The third member of the MAD squad trio |
| Ananthika Sanilkumar | Jennie Sharma | Key female lead, romantic interest |
| Sri Gouri Priya | Shruti | Female lead, supporting romantic role |
| Gopika Udayan | Radha | DD’s schoolmate has a secret crush |
Supporting Cast of Mad (film)
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Raghu Babu | Purushottam | College Principal |
| Ravi Anthony | Anthony Rodriguez | Class senior repeating 8th year |
| Muralidhar Goud | Jamakai / Ganesh’s Father | Comic role & supporting |
| Vishnu Oi | Ganesh “Laddu” | Unattractive friend everyone protects, from the village |
| Karthikeya Samala | Shiva | Laddu’s criminal-minded relative |
| Srikanth Reddy | Srikanth N. Reddy | Supporting the student role |
| Raghuram Sreepada | Xerox Janardhan | Comic character |
Special Appearances & Cameos
| Actor | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anudeep K.V. | Cameo | Special appearance |
Plot of the Movie
Mad (film) unfolds in an engineering college in Hyderabad, revolving around inseparable friends navigating love, rivalries, and basketball battles. The story flashes back through Ganesh “Laddu” sharing tales of his group, MAD: introverted orphan Ashok, extroverted leader DD, and flirt Manoj, as they chase crushes, prank rivals, and win a café war against JCE college.
Romantic threads weave in with Jenny pursuing Ashok, Manoj wooing abroad-bound Shruthi, and DD’s secret admirer twist involving Radha. From hostel raids to college fests, the narrative blends comedy, pranks, and heartfelt confessions, ending on a high note about cherishing college bonds. Seniors like repeater Anthony and principal Purushottam add comic flair to this riotous ride.
Budget and Box Office Collection Table
Mad (film) proved a smart investment, made on a modest ₹5 Cr budget by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, produced by Haarika Suryadevara and Sai Soujanya. It raked in ₹19.33 Cr India net, ₹22.5 Cr India gross, ₹3.5 Cr overseas, and ₹26 Cr worldwide, delivering blockbuster returns.
| Category | Amount (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 5.00 |
| India Net | 19.33 |
| India Gross | 22.50 |
| Overseas | 3.50 |
| Worldwide Total | 26.00 |
Day-wise, it opened at ₹1.2 Cr, peaked on weekends, and sustained over five weeks, showcasing strong word-of-mouth among youth.
Reviews and Critical Acclaim
Critics hailed the cast of Mad (film) for ditching clichés, with The Hindu‘s Sangeetha Devi Dundoo praising the “fun riot” and performances by Sangeeth Shoban, Vishnu Oi. The New Indian Express gave 3.5/5, noting no “sappy mythologising of friendship.”
IMDb users call it a “genuine good film” on engineering life, with hilarious dialogues and drama. Telugu outlets like Filmibeat labeled it a “youthful entertainer” with “kirrakk” lines. It swept SIIMA and Filmfare South nods, boosting debuts and confirming commercial hit status into 2026.
Behind the Scenes and Legacy
Filmed in Hyderabad colleges, Mad movie hero names like Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Shoban, and Ram Nithin bonded over basketball scenes, mirroring their characters. Post-theatrical, it streamed on Netflix from November 3, 2023, with ETV satellite rights.The success fueled Mad Square in 2025, expanding the universe. As of 2026, Mad cast stars trend in youth films, with Bheems Ceciroleo’s soundtrack still viral. Perfect for binge-watchers craving laughs, romance, and nostalgia—this ensemble redefined Telugu campus tales.
