Padman is an upcoming 2018 Indian Biographical comedy drama film written and directed by R. Balki, and produced by Twinkle Khanna. It is based on a short story in Twinkle’s Book ‘THE LEGEND OF LAKSHMI PRASAD’ and is inspired by life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist from Tamil Nadu.

Narrated by – Amitabh Bachchan

Starring – Akshay Kumar (Lakshmikant Chauhan)

Sonam Kapoor (Rhea)

Radhika Apte (Gayatri)

Music by – Amit Trivedi

Songs – Aaj Se Teri (Arijit Singh)

The Pad Man Song (Mika Singh)

Hu Ba Hu (Amit Trivedi)

Saale Sapne (Mohit Chauhan)

Sayaani (Jonita Gandhi and Yashita)

The film is based on “The Sanitary Man of Sacred Land”, a short story inspired from life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a Tamil Nadu based social activist who revolutionized the concept of menstrual hygiene in rural India by creating a low cost sanitary napkin machine.

The Producer’s main motive by this movie was to reach out to a wide audience to create awareness and eliminate prevalent superstitions in India surrounding sanitary pads. Twinkle came across this story while doing research for a column in The Times of India. Later, she planned to adapt this to the big screen in order to reach out to more audiences. Akshay was not the foremost choice to play the role but Murugan’s Insistence made him play the role.

The wider issue that Padman highlights is the stigma and taboos that surround menstruation. In India, restrictions include not being allowed to enter religious shrines, touch people or food in the kitchen, or touch or eat pickles. Taboos around periods happen in almost every country in the world.

AKSHAY KUMAR’S STATEMENT

“I didn’t want to make a documentary; I wanted to make a commercial film so people can see it. It’s a film you can take your children to, even though it talks about sanitary pads. It’s a univeral subject. Nobody has ever tried to touch this subject.”

Padman is essentially Akshay Kumar’s next step in bestowing himself with the title of Mr. Bharat. Trailer of the film shows Akshay-Starrer is clearly pitched for mass consumption. Everything is bright, sparkly, and yet earthy. So, we’re introduced to the genius of Akshay’s character who’s a wiz of sorts at churning out useful gadgets out of ordinary stuff.

REVIEWS FROM CRITICS

It is expected to be yet another super hit by Akshay Kumar. The social issue focused in this movie is the latest in a string of star-driven Bollywood films that spotlight critical women’s issue in India.

Akshay’s presence with Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte will positively get an initial audience into theatres, so if the film does hit the spot – Twinkle Khanna has a Winner in her hands as a first time producer. Here’s hoping that there’s more soul and substance to Padman than what the trailer promises.

Critics are praising Akshay’s comic timing and also the overall treatment of the film. Some even said the trailer of Padman is good enough to mark the audience already decide to watch it in the theatres.