Movie: Padman
Direction: R Balki
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Music: Amit Trivedi
Cinematographer: P C Sreeram
Editor: Chandan Arora
Genre: Biography, Comedy
Rating: ∗∗∗∗
What is it about: This film is inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham who revolutionized the concept of menstrual hygiene by building a machine manufacturing low cost sanitary pads. The film is directed by R.Balki.
Why it’s disappointing: This can most definitely stay put.
What to watch out for: There are many things labelled as TABOO in our country and speaking or discussing about menstrual cycle is one among them. We live in 21st century and still the sanitary pads are handed over in BLACK PLASTIC bags or brown cover. But little did we know one soul who started for the love of one, went on creating a revolution. Arunachalam Muruganantham is a clear cut example of perseverance and determination. He’s an absolute genius who I still feel wasn’t given due credit for the stupendous invention. An award or speech at UN isn’t what he was looking for, but his own people accepting the idea nurtured by him. I’m being honest until and unless this movie was announced to be made, I had no knowledge of this noble soul who went on making it so big. I would blame myself for being ignorant or should I blame the affairs which bury such heroes in such as our populated country. I would definitely express my distress, that none of the Tamil Film industry filmmakers even made an attempt to bring out the story of such a noble person, it had to be a Bollywood film which was made well to its content. I’m not comparing regional differences here, but this is an example which proves that such personalities go unnoticed.
Director Balki known for his grounded films, conceived a cinematic narration of a hero who was beautifully characterized. It doesn’t dull out even for a moment, it keeps you going either on laughter or it most definitely makes you think. The screenplay by Balki and Swanand Kirkire was spot on and travels at a steady pace packing a strong content.
Akshay Kumar is one of the actors of Bollywood who doesn’t shy away in playing such roles. Last year it was “Toilet Ek Prem Katha” and this year “Pad Man”. Such a great actor who can effortlessly entertain you and at the same time leave an everlasting impact with his versatile performance.
Radhika Apte was apt, she did a great job and her character was played to perfection. There wasn’t a point where you would say it was unnecessary.
So did Sonam Kapoor who was breezy and brought a great character in the second half. Sonam did a commendable job.
PC Sreeram’s cinematography was a great addition to the film, which was perfectly paced-edit by Chandan Arora.
Music by Amit Trivedi was as simple as the film and was in sync with the story. Composed and soothing.
Verdict: Balki, did a great job in paying respect to the legend, it was well narrated within the stipulated time and was played out convincingly. Don’t contemplate if the makers did this film for monetary purpose, it’s their job and have given you a piece of information on a great personality who the world knows better through a small medium called Cinema. Don’t miss this for anything, watch this film with your entire family.
