Beyond Padman: Exploring Menstrual Hygiene in the Film ‘Phullu’

While ‘Padman’ gained significant attention, ‘Phullu,’ directed by Abhishek Saxena, offers a lesser-known but equally compelling perspective on menstruation. The film follows Phullu, a village simpleton portrayed by Sharib Hashmi, who becomes determined to provide sanitary pads to the women in his village after witnessing the unhygienic practices they endure during their periods. The film highlights his struggles against societal taboos and his commitment to improving women’s health. Despite some rough edges in its execution, ‘Phullu’ is driven by Hashmi’s heartfelt performance and the film’s genuine intent to address a critical issue. The film also touches upon the hypocrisy of film certification, contrasting the different ratings received by ‘Phullu’ and ‘Padman’.