Draft:Laughing Buddha (2024 Film)

Laughing Buddha is an upcoming 2024 Indian Kannada-language comedy drama film written and directed by M Bharath Raj. Set in Malnad, it is produced by Rishab Shetty under his Rishab Shetty Films banner. Pramod Shetty and Teju Belawadi play the lead roles while the supporting cast includes Diganth and Sundar raj among others. The technical crew members include Vishnu Vijay as the music composer making his debut in Kannada cinema, Chandrashekaran as the cinematographer and K. M. Prakash as the editor. Shooting took place majorly in Bhadravati while few sequences were shot in Bengaluru and Kargal.

The film was launched in March 2023 and the shooting was wrapped up by June 2023.

The film is set to be released in July 2024 after the 2024 Indian elections.

Plot
The film revolves around Govardhan, who seeks permission for a day's leave to spend quality time with his wife. What happens when his request is rejected forms the crux of Laughing Buddha.

Production
Bharath Raj M who was an associate of Rishab shetty in the National award winning movie Sa.Hi.Pra.Shaale, Kasaragodu was set to make his directorial debut which was announced by Rishab. However owing to the Covid-19 Pandemic, The project was put on hold and Bharath made his directorial debut in the movie Hero which starred Rishab in Titular role and was shot entirely during lockdown. Pramodh Shetty who was roped in to play the titular role was reportedly portraying a police officer who is overweight. Pramod had gained around 110 kgs for portraying the role. Teju Belawadi was cast as female lead in the film. Diganth was roped in to play a pivotal character in the film.

Later it was reported that the movie would take off in late October 2022, which was further pushed and finally launched on 13 March 2023 through a formal pooja at Chandika Durga Temple, Bhadravati. The film began shooting the same day and the shooting was wrapped up by June 2023.

Soundtrack
Vishnu Vijay known for his work in Malayalam films, has scored the soundtrack and score for the film. This movie marks his debut in the Kannada films.

Marketing
The poster of the movie was released around September 2020 featuring Pramod Shetty in a police uniform with a laughing face similar to the title Laughing Buddha which had the audience excited. The team released a special motion poster featuring Pramod, wishing the Karnataka Police department on occasion of Police Flag Day, expressing their admiration for their brave and valiant officers who epitomize courage and resilience.

Release
The film is scheduled to be released theatrically after the 2024 Indian Elections around July 2024.