One of the most popular genres in Indian cinema is the Cop-Action Drama. While cops in films are often portrayed as either villains or superheroes, Laughing Buddha stands out by offering a more realistic portrayal of police life. This film provides an empathetic glimpse into the daily lives of those working in police stations. Directed by Bharath Raj, known for Hero, Produced by Rishab Shetty.
Laughing Buddha is guaranteed to keep audiences laughing—not at an overweight policeman, but because we see ourselves in him. And if we are not him, it’s because we aspire to be him. The hero makes a joyful entrance with a song whose lyrics say, “ಏನಾದರೂ ಆಗಲಿ ಜೀವನ .. ಊಟ ಮಾಡಣ.. ಒಳ್ಳೆ ನಿದ್ದೆ ಮಾಡಣ,” (“Whatever happens in life .. Let’s eat .. Let’s sleep well,”) encapsulating the spirit of simple joys in life. The story centers around Govardhan (Pramod Shetty), a head constable at Neeruru Police Station in Shivamogga.
Govardhan starts his day with a smile, effortlessly managing situations at home and solving crimes at work. His “superpower” comes from the delicious food prepared by his wife (Teju Belwadi). He wakes up thinking about food, solves crimes with the help of food, and rewards himself with more food after work. When this foodie constable’s core strength—food—is taken away from him, the story takes an adventurous turn, filled with humorous and relatable moments.
The movie features a talented cast, starting with Pramod Shetty as Govardhan, whose on-screen presence and comic timing shine. Teju Belwadi plays his wife, justifying her role, while their daughter and Sundar Raj as the father-in-law deliver perfect performances, along with his musical orchestra gang buddies. The film surprises us with an array of supporting actors at the police station, from an angry, short-tempered inspector to the constables and staff, each bringing their roles to life. Every character in the film is noticeable and memorable, with none wasted. Diganth Manchale steals the show with his outstanding performance in a grey role. Additionally, real-life police officer SK Umesh adds value to the story in a special role.
This film avoids being preachy, instead using humor to address a variety of everyday issues with remarkable sensitivity. It skillfully portrays the burnout of a wife trapped in routine monotony and the constant pressures faced by police officers. The film challenges the myth of instant weight loss success, contrasting the flashy claims of the market with the authentic, gradual process of self-improvement. It also explores how insecurities can undermine an individual and emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, among other themes.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its writing. The first half draws you in effortlessly with its light-hearted comedy and realistic charm, never letting go. Although the second half shifts to an investigation that may feel slightly slower, the focus remains on how our out-of-shape yet charismatic cop solves the case with his wit and intelligence rather than relying on heroic feats. The climax, set against the backdrop of Ganesha Pooja, effectively delivers the film’s message.
Technically, the film excels with picturesque visuals of the beautiful town, mouth-watering food, and stunning landscapes, all captured with a candid touch by cinematographer S. Chandrasekaran. The editing by K.M. Prakash is crisp, and Vishnu Vijay’s music adds depth to the narrative, almost becoming a character in its own right. The soundtrack features memorable lyrics, including a song written by Pramod Maravanthe and a romantic number written by K. Kalyan, which you’ll find yourself humming. Director Bharath Raj subtly portrays a dreamy yet realistic life through Govardhan for us to aspire to, while creating a big fat entertainer that’s perfect to experience with family and friends. This is a film not to be missed.
