PadMan movie review by audience: Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor's performances win hearts

PadMan starring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, and Radhika Apte, which released in theatres on Friday, February 9, has received mixed reviews from the audience and critics alike. While a few viewers lauded Akshay's performance and appreciated the makers' bold take on a rather hush-hush subject, a few said the second part is better than the first half of the movie.

PadMan movie review round-up: Bollywood celebs, critics go gaga over Akshay Kumar-starrer

Directed by R Balki, the movie is based on the inspiring life of social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, who invented the low-cost sanitary napkin-making machine. Arunachalam tried to break the taboo around menstruation in a conservative society and managed to convince the women of his village to use sanitary pads instead of cloth rags or leaves.

PadMan is Twinkle Khanna's maiden production venture and will see Akshay Kumar play the lead role of Arunachalam.

Radhika essays the role of Akshay's wife Gayatri, a village woman who will struggle through the pain and hardships of menstruation but doesn't approve of her husband trying to revolutionize the mindset of people, who consider menstruation a taboo. Their trials and tribulations as a couple through this tough phase also is a central part of the story.

This is the first time Sonam is appearing on-screen after her amazing performance in Neerja. She plays a social-worker, who helps Akshay's character in his mission.

Earlier, the film was supposed to be released on January 25, but it was pushed to February 9 to make way for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, which was facing a lot of hurdles.

The audience, who watched the first-day first show of PadMan, has shared their response on social media.

Check out the tweets:

Prince Pavan: "Just now seen #PadMan .. Brilliant....It's change our thinking towards period. Really appreciate all team...2018 national award goes to #PadMan"

@GurmeetSingh42: "Damn this film has excelled in each & every department. Acting, Music, Background music, Cinematography, Story, Screenplay #RBalki sahab u have really made a classic film #PadMan is just something else its gonna touch each & every person out there."

RJ Pratham: "#PadMan Upto interval Awesomazing performance Sirrrrrrr @akshaykumar @PadManTheFilm Review Coming up #RadioCity #JummeWaliPicture"

Shrishti Negi: "#SonamKapoor's entry is not as impressive as I expected. Well, let's see how her character builds up in the film. #padman"

raval yagnik: "Just dekhi abhi #PadMan power pack performance by @akshaykumar I have to say sir thanks so much sir to making this movie lot of learning things #Kuch krne ki thaam lo to kuch bhi na mumkin nahi bus kuch Karne ki niyat honi chahye .... Awesome friends every one watch this movie..."

Bhupesh Dave: "#OneWordReview ... #Padman : O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G. It's a MASTERPIECE."

@AskPawanRao: "@PadManTheFilm is over & it deserves a standing ovation..#Padman is the most relevant movie so far. Brilliant @akshaykumar #PadmanReview"

@Abhishek2612V: "#PadmanReview 1st day,1st show. First half is entertaining. Second half is a knowledge gaining experience. Good background scores and veteran acting,a nice subject but lost it a bit in narration.#PadMan My rating: 3.8/5"

Shrishti Negi: "Though the film gets a little slow in the second half, Balki makes sure the audience doesn't lose interest as he sends Sonam's character to Lakshmi's village to help him fulfill his dream. #padman"

@abhishekv766: "#PadMan review

One of the best acted movie of @akshaykumar

In Few scenes he will make you cry by heart.
Sonam brings charm to this movie
Radhika Aapte bring innocence behind a conservative village women.
Movie is entertaining and never looses grips.
Will give 4.25/5"

@srk_aravind: "#PadMan is a movie that motivates amd inspires at the same time ! Its a Must Watch for all the people . First Half is sloppy and Knowledge Gainer in Second Half ! Class and Relistic act from @akshaykumar @sonamakapoor and @radhika_apte ! SUPER HIT in every way MUST WATCH"

Nilesh Bhadule Patil: "@akshaykumar only u can do films like this Sir fabulous and @sonamakapoor simply good #padman"