Laughing Buddha

This film is a refreshing addition to Kannada cinema, proving that even low-budget movies can have a strong impact-something often seen in Malayalam films. The narration is well-executed, keeping the audience engaged for the most part. While a few scenes might feel slightly distracting, the story quickly regains its grip, pulling the viewer back into its world.

The performances are commendable, and the technical aspects, including cinematography and background score, are well-crafted. However, the film stumbles in its climax. While some might find it convincing, I personally felt it was a letdown. I expected a more fitting resolution, but the final moments felt both illogical and impractical.

With a tighter screenplay and a more satisfying conclusion, this film could have garnered even greater appreciation and reach. Despite its flaws, it's still a decent watch and a commendable effort in Kannada cinema.

Laughing Budha is a story of a cop who has to lose weight to save his job. The movie is a lighthearted take on food addiction and subtle commentary on how to treat suspects during interrogation. Govardhan, a foodie, is a constable who is overweight. He loves food. He is good natured. There is a scene where he goes to interrogate a suspect and offers him food, ends up making friends with him and gets what he wants from the suspect. Though this seems outlandish at first, the film presents the reality as a stark contrast where the inspector beats up the suspect until he bleeds. Then comes the time when Govardhan must lose weight to save his job and that throws him off balance. He tries his best to lose weight in 90 days but as we all know, it is impossible to get fit in such a short amount of time. How he deals with this situation forms the rest of the story.

Pramod Shetty as Govardhan was an absolute charmer as the overweight cop. His innocence and his love for food was written beautifully by writer director M. Bharath Raj. Pramod Shetty exudes that kindness and his love for his food and family is evident in every frame. The supporting cast also did an excellent job in bringing the humor quotient and the dialogues by Anirudh Mahesh and Akarsh HP along with Bharath Raj kept the humor quotient subtle and sarcastic without going overboard. It is very easy in these kinds of stories to generate humor via body shaming, and we see none of that low effort humor here. The writing stays dignified and never feels awkward.

The story takes some uninteresting turns and some plot points that are unrealistic, but they are there in service of the story. I did wish the writers spent more time on generating humor via the numerous failed attempts that Govardhan makes. Although his job is at stake, he never really faces strong opposition to his actions at work nor his family.

Laughing Budha is a nice watch with family to sit back and reflect not only on one's food choices but also how we, as a society, treat suspects and undertrials. I recommend watching it.

-YT/@CinephileIndia2023.

It starts with life of a constable who enjoys simple things in life, cherishes food and keeps everyone around him happy.

Turn of events puts focus on his lack of fitness. When we think that the movie is about how he gets into good shape physically, there is a twist to the story and slowly the suspense element builds up. It ends with fitting climax.

Technically movie is good. Director has kept the screenplay simple, trying to mix up comedy with suspense.

Acting wise, everyone has given their best.

Diganth has an important role and he just lives in it. He deserves much more in our industry.

Pramod Shetty also given his best.

Heartfelt comedy with a simple yet creative story plot, wholesome script, wholesome screen play, wholesome acting, wholesome entertainment. Laughter throughout the movie. Creativity at its peak. Highlights the making of the film through pure talent, skill, and creativity, without relying on advanced technology or sophisticated graphics.

Screen play runs in two layers back to back comedy scenes on the run and curiosity building detective story in the background to get a conclusion on a high note with a theme that is most relevant for today. Always been an observant of the topic of overweight policemen, amazingly come out as a light hearted comedy movie with Pramod Shetty in the lead. Kudos to Actor Digant for his amazing performance as well.

A must watch kannada movie of current days. Congratulations to the whole team.

Nice movie, with unnecessary violence. Better than super hyped movie.

All the characters were good!!

Nice msg, neatly made!! Decent movie after all the crappy violence.

Ppl with sense of humor will enjoy!!

No vulgar comedy.

After s long time a family watchable movie has been made.

No anti social element has been glorified.

A very true msg to everyone in the society on health and obesity.

Diganths character was fabulous.

Climax was truly unexpected.

Everyone has done justice to their character.

Many of the super hyped movies failed to give a message like this.

It highlights the difficulties and drawbacks of police department has been touched upon well.

One time watch must !!