Padman review – heartfelt portrait of a feminine hygiene pioneer

The story of an Indian metalworker who devised a low-cost method of producing sanitary pads makes a compelling biopic This good-natured, big-hearted film from India puts a romantic topspin on a true story. But it’s an engrossing and important subject – which was raised by a man who challenged patriarchal taboos with a candour and determination that many men all over the progressive world might shrink from even now.

Twenty years ago, Arunachalam Muruganantham was a metalworker who thought it lamentable that his wife Shanthi and all the women in his community had to rely on dirty rags when they got their periods because sanitary pads were absurdly overpriced. So he did something about it, developing a low-cost machine for making the pads and evangelising for their use all across the country, instituting a revolution in feminine hygiene, ending the toxic masculine culture of silence and disapproval and introducing a vernacular culture of social entrepreneurship.

Akshay Kumar plays the hero (renamed Lakshmi) and Radhika Apte is his troubled wife (renamed Gayatri). Their performances are likable and heartfelt.Since you’re here …
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