Laughing Buddha review: A flab-ulous Pramod Shetty fronts a fun watch

Laughing Buddha, backed by Rishab Shetty and starring Pramod Shetty in the lead, is a comedy, set in a small town. The film involves a soft-hearted cop who loves food, family and his profession—in that order—and the chaos that ensues when he is told that his weight could lead to his dismissal from his job.

M Bharath Raj of Hero-fame returns with Laughing Buddha, a comedy centered around the misadventures of an overweight cop, Govardhan.

The trailer, featuring a talented ensemble cast and a quirky plot, has caught the attention of film enthusiasts. The intrigue deepened with the introduction of Diganth’s character at the trailer’s end, leaving viewers curious about what’s next. The tactic sparked a conversation about what Laughing Buddha might be like. As someone intrigued by Govardhan’s world, I wasn’t disappointed. The film’s first half—though slow to build—successfully gives each character their own space in the narrative.

The second half is fast-paced and filled with fun moments, though some secondary plotlines remain unresolved. Despite this, Laughing Buddha offers an entertaining experience and is an engaging, wholesome watch for families.

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Nuanced writing

When writing about a lead character who is overweight and in a profession that demands him to be fit, it is easy to resort to low-blow humour. What is commendable is how the writers have been mindful about dealing with this. The scenes of Govardhan sneaking around to eat food in the middle of the night, his escapades at an ayurvedic centre or his triumph when he sheds 900 grams are all scenes that bring a smile to your face.

The writers have added unique quirks to the characters, ensuring they don’t become mere caricatures. For example, the subtle love scenes and arguments between Govardhan and his wife feel authentic, like when she scolds him, reminding him they all eat the same food and that some exercise would do him good—capturing the realism of everyday household conversations.

Moments like Govardhan’s father-in-law taking a photo of him before he leaves for the ayurvedic centre, joking that it’s for him to remember his old self in case the transformation is drastic, add a special touch to the film.

Performances are a highlight

Pramod Shetty in the titular role of Laughing Buddha (a nickname his wife has kept for him) is terrific. One hopes his emotional range gets noticed, leading to more opportunities in lead roles. He could potentially carve out a niche for himself, similar to what Joju George has achieved in Malayalam cinema.

Diganth deserves special mention for his impressive physical acting, seamlessly shifting between cunning and innocence. Teju Belawadi brings depth to her role as the supportive wife, while Sundar Raj is earnest and at his best. Laughing Buddha also showcases a cast of lesser-known actors, all of whom deliver strong performances. Retired top cop SK Umesh makes a natural and memorable cameo appearance.

Final take

Laughing Buddha is an ideal family film, blending laughter, romance, and drama in just the right amounts. Pramod shines in the lead role, and the technical team supports him well with excellent visuals, music, and immersive world-building.

(Views expressed here are personal)

(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)

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