Pad Man

Pad Man is a unique blend of biographical drama and romantic comedy, released in February 2018. This Indian Hindi-language film features Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, and Sonam Kapoor in pivotal roles. This avant-garde cinematic offering is directed by the acclaimed R. Balki, whose knack for enticing storytelling exudes in every frame, with a script penned by Swanand Kirkire. The film is inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social entrepreneur from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

The story revolves around the central character, Lakshmikant Chauhan, poignantly portrayed by Akshay Kumar. He is a humble, kind-hearted, and somewhat eccentric man who is deeply in love with his wife, Gayatri, played by the talented Radhika Apte. Akshay Kumar adeptly portrays the character’s strong resolve and unwavering determination, which echo those of his real-life counterpart, Muruganantham.

Living in a small village in Madhya Pradesh, the protagonist witnesses firsthand the appalling conditions that women in India have to endure during their menstrual cycles. He finds it challenging to accept that in the 21st century, women still rely on unhygienic cloth pads during their periods, an eye-opening revelation that propels him into action. What follows is an extraordinary journey of innovation and resilience, which becomes the backbone of the movie.

Gayatri’s character, performed with great finesse by Radhika Apte, showcases the vulnerability and archaic societal norms women in rural India have to abide by. Her performance beautifully mirrors the plight of countless Indian women, bound by customs, and her role is crucial in instigating Lakshmikant’s journey to bring about change.

As the plot advances, Sonam Kapoor makes a late entrance as an urban social worker, Pari, who attempts to help Lakshmikant in his endeavors. Kapoor brings a youthful charm and a touch of humor to her character, juxtaposing the raw realities and traditions of rural India, with her open-minded personality and modern thinking.

The brilliance of Pad Man lies in how it effectively addresses a grave yet often ill-spoken issue, and raises awareness about menstrual hygiene. It is not merely a commentary, but also a charming and heartwarming story of love, perseverance and human ingenuity. The narrative shines light on the taboos around menstruation in India, where it is still considered a dirty secret.

From a technical standpoint, Pad Man has been beautifully shot, exuding a vibrant color palette, thanks to cinematographer P.C. Sreeram whose visuals capture the stark contrast between the simplicity of rural India and the brighter, more colorful urban landscapes. The beauty of rural India, including colorful festivities, rural traditions, and village folks resonate throughout the film. By contrast, the setting of the city, with bustling streets and modern architecture, provides an interesting juxtaposition that paints a visually spectacular canvas that entraps the viewers.

The impactful performances are accompanied by an evocative soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi. The composer’s past contributions to Bollywood are not lost here, as the score perfectly captures the protagonist’s prestigious journey. The film's direction, writing, and music score collectively build an unforgettable cinematic experience that deeply resonates with the audience.

While Pad Man is indeed a movie about menstruation, it's also a movie about innovation, about fighting societal norms, about never giving up on dreams even when faced with intense backlash and about the strength of the human spirit. The film stands as a beacon of hope for societal change, showcasing the power of one man's courageous efforts to improve the status of women’s health and hygiene.

As a complete package, Pad Man is undoubtedly one of the most significant Indian films of 2018 with its innovative fusion of a social cause, comedy, drama, and romance. The combination of strong character performances, deft direction, vibrant cinematography, engaging writing, and stirring music offer a colourful palette of emotions and entertainment that is guaranteed to linger in the audiences' mind.

At its heart, Pad Man is a passionate story about breaking the cycle. It’s about changing the norms and liberating women in the process. But beyond that, it’s a cleverly crafted ode to human innovation and the triumph of the spirit against all odds. You don't come across films like these often - stories that are entertaining, inspiring and thought provoking, all at the same time. Pad Man ticks all these boxes, making it a must-watch.