– Chetan Nadiger
Film: Laughing Buddha
Producer: Rishab Shetty
Director: Bharath Raj
Starring: Pramod Shetty, Teju Belawadi, Diganth, Sundar Raj, S K Umesh and others
Kannada film industry has churned out a lot of films about Police previously. Police are not only depicted as honest and one who maintains law and order to the core, some films have also showed them in bad light as corrupt and greedy. This week’s release ‘Laughing Buddha’ is a film which showcases the personal life of policemen.
‘Laughing Buddha’ is all about ASI Govardhan (Pramod Shetty) who is well known for two things. One for his fascination for food and the other for his smooth style of interrogating criminals. While everything goes on easily, Govardhan gets a three-month deadline to reduce his overweight and be fit. He is also threatened of getting dismissed from his service, if he does not lose weight in the stipulated time. Govardhan does everything in his knowledge to reduce weight. What happens next forms the crux of the film.
Though the story is all about overweight and obesity, the film is very well nourished and nurtured when it comes to treatment. The story line is not only fresh, but the director manages to hold the attention of the audience with his screenplay and narration. ‘Laughing Buddha’ is a light hearted film with good comedy. The film does not preach anything, but entertains the audience with a good humor. The film also showcases the politics and the other side of the police department. But that’s not the end of it. There is a thrilling side to the story with Diganth playing the role of a thief in the film.
The best part of the film is however a very fine performance from the protagonist Pramod Shetty. Pramod as the overweight police has done his job very easily. It’s a delight to watch Pramod perform his character with such an ease. Diganth is equally brilliant in his performance. Teju Belawadi fits the bill perfectly as Govardhan’s wife. The entire casting of the police staff is very good. Real life cop Umesh has done his job very nicely.
Kudos to Rishab Shetty for producing such king of light hearted and feel-good films apart from nurturing new talents. Don’t miss this one.
