Akshay Kumar's next venture is about menstrual hygiene

Based on a true story, Padman tells tale of a man who made sanitary pads affordable for Indian women in poverty

29 Oct, 2017

Not all superheroes wear capes, and that's what Akshay Kumar's next film Padman intends to show.

Slated for release next year on January 26, India's Republic Day, Akshay Kumar's upcoming flick is based the true story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man who built machines to enable women in rural areas manufacture low-cost sanitary pads for their communities.

As menstruation remains a taboo topic in India, Muruganantham was ostracised by his community and family, including his wife after whose struggle with access to otherwise high-costing sanitary pads the social entrepreneur had gotten the idea.

Once called 'mad' and 'psycho' for his work, Muruganantham is now being helmed as Padman and the film is an ode to him.

"The true story of a real superhero," the protagonist tweeted as he shared the poster of the movie, which also came out today.

Padman is Twinkle Khanna's production venture, made in association with Gauri Shinde of English Vinglish fame. The film also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in lead roles. Amitabh Bachchan will be making a cameo appearance.

Comments

ubaid khan Oct 29, 2017 04:54pm

hit super hit

Recommend

Canadian -Observer Oct 29, 2017 06:06pm

The theme is very important from the perspective of women living in rural areas and those living below the poverty line. The subject is taboo coupled with lack of education and affordability. The efforts to bring such issues to public attention is highly commendable and provide a moment of reflection for decision-makers.

Carol Lee Murphy Oct 29, 2017 06:31pm

Just shows that understanding and so acting for the good doesn't always play out well, the man is a hero and his perseverance, brought something necessary,and so beneficial to women in poverty, The man who made it happen had to face difficulties, and others would have turned away.

rana1 Oct 29, 2017 08:35pm

Waiting for super hero Akshay Kumar.

kerala Oct 30, 2017 06:08am

Akshay is better than khans.

Ishaq Oct 30, 2017 09:19am

This was such an interesting story!! Can't wait for the movie.

Kumar Oct 30, 2017 09:44am

Really appreciate Akshay Kumar. He is lending his hero status to social issues.

Anusri Tripathi Oct 30, 2017 10:21am

Wow, waiting for the film.

Contradiction Oct 30, 2017 10:58am

our culture veils such subjects! we and you can't read or watch such subjects sitting with family.

Jo Oct 30, 2017 11:43am

Great vision and work by Arunachalam Muruganantham. We should follow suit in Pakistan and in addition offer free sanitary pads to school, college and university students. Let's make a genuine difference and go beyond preaching we're the best.

Speak_truth Oct 30, 2017 04:47pm

@Contradiction Yes, because there is a thing called tehzeeb which is lost on more and more people under the influence of the West.

yasra Oct 31, 2017 06:02pm

Impressive. TRULY a story worth telling. A 'hero' is not the muscle-bound man who can strike a pose on a motorbike in shades , with ladies draped over him , or the one who can fight his opponents with one blow. A true hero is a man who can empathise with women and put their needs ahead of his own. He is a man who can work for the improvement and uplift of women's quality of life. He knows that if women are valued and cared for , then children get better cared for and the whole family benefits.

Jinoj Nov 01, 2017 09:53pm

But in reality there's more than 100 sanitary napkin making units closed and many women's are facing difficulty to pay bank loans, I am accepting one thing because of his story many people talked about this subject. If anyone know any of his unit running successfully please let me know, i can learn from that and help many people who is trying to survive

Salahuddin Abdul Qadir Nov 05, 2017 03:53am

Waiting for full of action ,versatile and talented hero one n only one Akshay Kumar .