LAUGHTER: THE TONIC FOR A HEALTHY LIFE

"A day without laughter is a day wasted," said Charlie Chaplin, the English actor-comedian.

"ಎಮ್ಮೆ ತಮ್ಮಣ್ಣ" ('Emme Thammanna', which translates to: “Buffalo Thamanna”) is a 1966 Kannada romantic comedy, one that will split your sides. Based on a story by AK Velan, the blockbuster was remade in Telugu (as Govula Gopanna), in Hindi (as Jigri Dost) and Tamil (as Maattukara Velan).

The film stars the yesteryear matinee idol, Dr. Rajkumar. Cast in a dual role– as Thammanna, a cowherd; and, Murali, an advocate– there is double romance in the air. Both characters get into love affairs– one with Meena (Bharati), the daughter of a senior counsel, and the other with Radha (GV Lathadevi), the daughter of a municipal president. That sets the stage for laugh riot. Some thrill, action and suspense add spice to this movie made for mirth and merriment.

The direction of doyen BR Panthulu, one of our greatest auteurs, is superb, as always. TG Lingappa's musical score for GV Iyer's lyrical compositions are outstanding. Rajkumar, the legend has delivered a splendid performance; he is at his subtle, subdued best. His comic timing is terrific in this classic. The supporting cast, of Narasimharaju, Dikki Madhavarao, et al, add to the laughter quotient.

In short, this flick is a HARDCORE entertainer, which, to paraphrase Einstein, will help you 'rejoice in the beautiful land of life'!

The downside...it is at least half hour too long.

My rating is: 7.5 on 10!

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