‘Padayappa’ re-release: Rajinikanth shares rare memories from the 1999 superhit

Even as Rajinikanth fans await the Superstar’s birthday this Friday (on December 12), the actor’s superhit Tamil film Padayappa is set to re-release. Written and produced by Rajinikanth and directed by KS Ravikumar, Padayappa, released in 1999, is considered one of the actor’s biggest hits.

In a special video, Rajinikanth relived his experience of working on this film. “It is close to my heart. I love Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan – and wanted to do a subject revolving around the Nandini character…and the result was Padayappa. I suggested the title, but its director KS Ravikumar was not convinced… but I urged him to go ahead,” he said.

Rajinikanth added, “We wanted Aishwarya Rai to do the main female character of Neelambari. It was imperative for that role to click – but she was not interested. We wanted an arrogance in the character – and it was Ravikumar who suggested Ramya Krishnan’s name.”

It was the Superstar’s dream to make this a big project. The film also starred Sivaji Ganesan, Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya and Abbas, among others. With music by AR Rahman, Padayappa remains unforgettable among Tamil cinema fans not just for Rajinikanth’s screen presence but also for Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of a jealous woman.

Padayappa was shot within 70 days thanks to the efforts of Ravikumar and production manager Thenappan, added Rajinikanth. “For the climax, we shot extensively in Mysore with thousands of people,” he recalled.

After the film’s release in 1999, Rajinikanth was flooded with phone calls, hailing him for the storyline and performances. “There was a rumour that the female lead character, Neelambari, was based on former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Hearing that, she wanted to watch it and we arranged for it.”

Plans are currently on to make a Padayappa 2 – titled Neelambari. “We are discussing the storyline,” he revealed.

This year is extra special for the Tamil superstar as it marks 50 years since he first appeared on the big screen; Rajinikanth’s debut flick, Aboorva Raagangal, released in 1975. He was felicitated recently at IFFI 2025 for this achievement.