Padman(2018)
Pad Man is a 2018 Hindi-language social comedy-drama film directed by R. Balki. It stars Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, and Sonam Kapoor. The film is based on the true story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a Tamil Nadu-based social activist who invented a low-cost machine to manufacture sanitary pads. The story follows Lakshmikant Chauhan, a village man who becomes obsessed with creating affordable pads for his wife and other rural women. He faces intense social stigma and rejection from his community. The film balances humor and drama to address the taboo of menstruation in India. It was produced by Twinkle Khanna and co-produced by Columbia Pictures. Pad Man won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. It was a commercial success, grossing over ₹207 crore worldwide. The film was released on 9 February 2018.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, Prime Video, Netflix
- OTT Release Date
- 8 September 2000
- Theatrical Release
- 9 February 2018
- Director
- R Balki
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Rating
- 7.8/10
Storyline
A simple, loving husband discovers his wife using a dirty rag during her period. Shocked and saddened, he decides to make a cheap sanitary pad for her. His obsession leads to shame, rejection, and exile from his village. But he refuses to give up. He fights a deeply rooted social taboo to change the lives of millions of women.
“The true story of a madman who changed the world.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Padman
Cast reunions in this film: Amitabh Bachchan & Akshay Kumar (8 films together), Amitabh Bachchan & Amit Trivedi (4 films together), and Sonam Kapoor & Akshay Kumar (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film is based on the real-life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who invented a low-cost sanitary pad machine in India.
- Akshay Kumar, who plays the lead, did not charge any fee for acting in this movie.
- The film's first poster was released on Menstrual Hygiene Day to highlight the cause.
- Pad Man was the first Bollywood film to have a special screening at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Director R. Balki's wife, Gauri Shinde, contributed to the script and helped shape the female characters' perspectives.
- The movie features a special song, 'Aaj Se Teri', which was picturized on Radhika Apte and Akshay Kumar and addressed menstrual stigma directly.
- To prepare for his role, Akshay Kumar spent time with the real-life Pad Man, Arunachalam Muruganantham, learning about his struggles and machine.
