The screening of Rajinikanth’s ‘Padayappa’ in Rohini Silver Screens, Koyambedu
| Photo Credit: Srinivasa Ramanujam
December 12 has always been a special day for fans of Rajinikanth.
This year, it is extra special. For, even as the Tamil superstar turns 75, his 1999 blockbuster Padayappa has re-released to packed houses.
At Chennai’s Rohini Silver Screens, the mood is festive for its first day first show (FDFS) celebrations. The place is decked up with posters of the film, along with multiple ‘happy birthday Thalaiva’ banners. A DJ has parked himself near the entrance, dishing out superhit Rajinikanth numbers.
The first day first show celebrations of ‘Padayappa’ in Rohini Silver Screens
| Photo Credit:
Srinivasa Ramanujam
Dancing with his friends to those tracks is Yogaraj D, a professional dancer from OMR. “I was too young when Padayappa released and have not experienced it on the big screen,” he beams, “This is a great chance to celebrate that magic.”
There are many more. For Satish K, a 34-year-old IT employee from Poonamallee, this re-release is an opportunity to relive a key cinematic memory from childhood. “I was in class three when it released,” he recalls, “I have memories of watching it in Raghavendra Theatre in Tiruvottiyur. It was such a wholesome film – filled with comedy, action and stylish sequences. To get an opportunity to experience it yet again is amazing.”
Satish also has a special connection to the many punch dialogues of the actor and the motivational speeches he delivered over the years at audio launches. “Whenever I’m depressed or going through a tough phase, I listen to his words of wisdom. It lifts me up,” he says.
The re-release of Padayappa is significant for many reasons, prime among them being the fact that it was carefully shielded by Rajinikanth himself from TV and OTT players. “I wanted the re-release to be special. It should be a kondattam for the fans in the theatres,” he said in a special video released recently. Directed by KS Ravikumar and with music by AR Rahman, the film is also known for the performance of Ramya Krishnan, whose villainous portrayal of Neelambari holds a special place in the hearts of Tamil cinema fans.
Like it did for the hundreds assembled on a cold Friday morning at Chennai’s Rohini theatre for the FDFS experience. Among them was ‘Rajini’ Balaji, a veteran fan who has caught many such films in the past, including the first show of Padayappa when it first released in 1999. “It is heartening to see even Gen-Z celebrate him just the same way we did many years ago. His films – and style – will remain evergreen and different,” he says.
Like Rajini says in Padayappa:En Vazhi Thani Vazi (My way is a separate way).
Published – December 12, 2025 01:48 pm IST
