Padman Movie Review: A convincing film packed with a brilliant message

To being with, I would address the makers of this film with a big Thank You for bringing this utmost important topic of Menstrual Hygiene on the big screens!

In a developing country like India where a major chunk of the nation still abides by the stereotypical norms and taboos that exist in the society, R. Balki's Pad Man couldn't have come in a better time than this where the nation is finally accepting the changes with somewhat open arms!

The Plot:

Inspired by Arunachalam Muruganantham, this story is about a man (Laxshmikant Chauhan) who is on a mission for the menstrual hygiene of his wife (Gayatri) while she uses a dirty piece of cloth during her periods. This doesn't affect Laxmikant much until the doctor informs him about the dangerous illness that could occur using the unhygienic cloth. Being a middle-class man for whom it becomes impossible to buy a 55 Rs packet of sanitary napkins every month but the health of his wife being his utmost concern gives rise to an inspiring journey to create low-cost pads for his wife and the women of his village.

His constant attempts to make a pad with open end failures lands him in trouble and he is thus abandoned from his village for his 'obscene acts'. What follows is a fascinating chain of events that makes you proud of that man.

The Good:

A massive problem like menstrual hygiene is depicted with utmost ease and interest-building pointers by Balki. There are few scenes which are heart-warming in nature that attach an instant connection to the film. Balki has championed in carving this social drama flick by adding light-hearted humour but without playing with the informative aspect of the film.

The Loophole:

The first half: The story in its first 15 minutes starts by directly touching upon the integral issue but loses its pace before the interval.  

Characters:

Akshay Kumar as Lakshmikant Chauhan -Social drama films and Akshay Kumar go together and the actor has yet again given a commendable performance. His emotions have come out brilliantly onscreen that makes you travel with him on his persistent journey for the women of India.

Radhika Apte as Gayatri -The actress who otherwise is applauded for her roles has surprisingly given a mellow act in this movie. But her chemistry with Akshay is honest that saves her from an otherwise average performance.

Sonam Kapoor as Pari - She plays a perfect friend/supporter to Akshay while delivering her finest performance. The actress has managed to thoroughly adapt herself to the character while being the pillar of strength in this movie.

Dialogues:

Akshay's monologue while delivering a speech at the United States remains intact and impactful. Akshay conveys the core message of the film in a powerful voice. You'll find some quirky and motivational dialogues from Akshay, some emotional ones from Radhika and some much-needed positive ones from Sonam.

The Final Verdict:

Padman in all senses is a convincing film which by the end of its story embodies a ray of hope in the hearts of the people about the significance of female's menstrual hygiene in the rural areas of the nation.

Rating: 3.5/5