Soh Merchant

Rating:4/5 I have never seen an actor promote his movie so much that every day I logged into Facebook, there would either be a story, a video or a still or something related to menstruation. It was a result of such exhaustive promotion, which led to actors holding out sanitary pads and creating a trendy challenge. People are discussing about periods, a topic of whispers, in open and without hesitation. Surely, an initiative has turned into a revolution and it will surely bring a change in the way India thinks about this topic. Conceptualized and produced by Twinkle Khanna, co-written by Swanand Kirkire and directed by the talent powerhouse, R. Balki, Pad Man is finally out in theatres and if you were to believe in my words, it’s worth the money you will invest. Pad Man salutes the real-life hero and a social entrepreneur of Coimbatore, Arunachalam Muruganantham. How he notices his wife using a dirty rag and his attempts to spread hygiene in a financially effective manner, which eventually leads him to make a pad all by himself. How he is insulted and thwarted by everyone who thinks he is a filthy, pervert, mad man. How he constantly sustains his determination to finally come out with a wonderful invention of making a sanitary pad machine. How he earns the respect of millions. What first appeals to you is that the movie does not beat around the bush and gets into its job very quickly. The on-goings keep you hooked with an entertaining camaraderie between Akshay and all the characters around him. He is THE performer, who slides into the skin of the character so effortlessly that you instantly connect with him. Music too goes in sync with the movie with excellent lyrics, explaining the happenings in a beautiful and a poetic way. Not for a second did I was bored or felt that the movie was going off-track. How there is a celebration when a girl achieves her puberty or how women live separately during those five days or how the guys tease by calling them a 5-day test match, every aspect of the orthodox society is very well depicted. The second half is equally tasty. From the start, his character is developed to be someone who builds small and useful things for his wife, like a wooden chair behind his cycle or an onion-cutting toy. So, when he researches about the making the machine, the process engages you till he finally makes it. Things become interesting once Sonam enters the scene and from there, the movie simply runs. The 11-minute monologue in the climax will surely bring a smile on your face and your respect for Akshay Kumar’s acting will increase by leaps and bounces. The only flaw which the movie holds is the unnecessary figment of the love element towards the end, with an attempt to create a love triangle. The entire drama looks forced, dull on emotions and hasty. It was surely not needed. Also, as the story progresses, the ageing of the characters is not taken into consideration. Akshay Kumar is in his top form. It takes guts for an actor to portray this character with conviction and this man does it with ease. Yes, he does look over-aged for someone to be newly married, but when it comes to convincing us with what he wants to convey, he is truly successful. He is so charming with his smile that you just can’t keep your eyes off him. Respect! Radhika Apte is perfect in her role. She represents the woman of the hesitant society and her chemistry with Akshay is worth an applaud. The way she displays her emotions proves she is the right cast for this role. For the first time in my life, I have liked Sonam Kapoor’s work. Though her character comes pretty late, but it is written beautifully, until the love part crops in. She does really well with her limited part and I’m glad she doesn’t disappoint. Pad Man deserves to be seen and cherished. It’s a movie which is meant to bring a change and our support will definitely serve the purpose of the makers. Watch it to see Mr. Arunachalam’s efforts and remove that barrier of reluctance forever.