Akshay Kumar's next venture is about menstrual hygiene

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.