PADMAN REVIEW (long term)

A lot has already been spoken about the movie ! It has already surpassed the boundaries . All and sundry want to be in limelight by giving their inputs . Strange and superfluous ! Hard to digest such a surging renaissance in perception. At times , it feels if we are truly serious about topic or it is just a pastime that will fizzle out with the passage of time . Anyhow, the story outline is convincing , message conveyed is clear and the subject matter could connect the women . The idea conceived from Mr. Arunachalam Muruganantham’s real life story has been well perceived and directed .The revolutionary man’s life, indeed, has left the world speaking about the least spoken subject. Lead characters Lakshmikant Chauhan (Akshay Kumar), Pari (Sonam Kapoor )and Gayatri (Radhika Apte) have enlivened the reel life story. R.Balki (writer) and Swanand Kirkire (co-writer) have been crisp in the expression of the subject. Amit Trivedi’s music is apt and takes one into the realm of reality . R. Balki has not left the folks disappointed.

First half highlights the negligible attention given to hygiene by women during the menstrual period. It is disheartening to find that almost 80% of women in this culturally rich country , are in deplorable condition during the span of their periods. The country where a Goddess is worshipped, irony hits at the pathetic and pitiable conditions a common woman goes through. Scarcity of money, superstitions, unawareness all play a havoc when she is forced to use cloth, ash or dry leaves to protect herself during that specific time.

The enactment of notions of common people at large , leave the viewers thinking about the age old customs signifying the existing orthodox mindset . An awakening is the call though at times , the content of the act seems to be exaggerated ; perhaps to make it more commercially effective. Lakshmi’s conscience drives him for self-experience. The ‘Pink Panty’ venture by him imprints in the minds of the people. Being labeled as a psycho ,Lakshmi’s wife, mother and sisters leave him. His consistent and persistent efforts to eliminate the unscrupulous taboos given to women during that particular period bear fruits in the second half.

The entry of Pari (Sonam Kapoor) as a modern M.B.A. student impacts the idea of Lakshmi. Now the movie takes a turn from a social drama to a series of achievements . Success beckons Lakshmi but at the tremendous cost of his own family. There was never looking back for him and an urge for the sanitation drives the passion. Certain cinematic liberties have been taken by showing emotions emerging between Lakshmi and Pari which didn’t need to be added . It is not necessary to woo the masses through romantic scenes rather, being sensitive to someone’s cause is enough to deliver an honest emotion. Akshay Kumar portrayed the role with intensity. The other two female leads have been able to deliver the content and even the character of Prof. Tejas Walia has been impressive. Amitabh Bachan’s speech at IIT Delhi consists of the idea of progressive India but it sounds more like idealism than realism. It is good that the elocuting abilities of the real Padman at United Nations have not been hampered with. Though the concept is based on Mr. Arunachalam’s struggles yet it is not a biopic.

There are certain obvious blunders made in some scenes in movie. For instance , Lakshmi injures fingers of his right hand whereas bandage is tied on the right palm and fingers remain unwounded. Let us ignore such gaffe because to err is human.

Over all, a necessary message delivered and a good attempt to cater to the larger audience.