Throughout his 50-year-long career, Rajinikanth has captured thousands of hearts with his unique reel mannerisms and powerful screen presence. While most of his blockbusters often find their places in television or OTT space, this particular film remained absent from streaming platforms and the small screen for decades.

This 25-year-old film is considered one of the biggest hits of Rajinikanth. Although the superstar denied rights to streaming platforms, he is rereleasing the film in theatres on December 12, coinciding with his birthday.

The film we are talking about is Padayappa. Directed by KS Ravikumar, the 1999 film cemented Rajinikanth’s dominance at the box office.

Despite its immense popularity, Padayappa was telecast only a few times on television and never found its way to streaming platforms, as Rajinikanth wanted to reserve its exclusivity. During a recent interview he shared, “I did not give the rights to any telecast player, despite multiple requests. I wanted people to watch it only on the big screen. It should be a kondattam (celebration) for fans on my 50th year in cinema.”

On the occasion of the superstar’s 75th birthday, Padayappa is set to re-release in the theatres on December 12, offering fans a chance to relive the film’s magic.

Padayappa stars Rajinikanth in the titular role with Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya in other lead roles. Other stars like Lakshmi, Radha Ravi, Nassar, Abbas, Sithara, and Preetha were seen in supporting characters.

The action drama revolves around the title character and his family as they are being targeted in a generations-long revenge by Padayappa’s cousin Neelambari, a narcissistic woman who was left humiliated after Padayappa rejected her love proposal.

While Rajinikanth’s trademark style and screen presence captured hearts, the film is equally remembered for Ramya Krishnan’s unforgettable portrayal of antagonist Neelambari.

The creation of Neelambari’s character was inspired by Rajinikanth’s fascination with Kalki Krishnamurthy’s classic novel Ponniyin Selvan. He was drawn to the character of Nandhini and wanted to create a cunning, villainous role.

Rajinikanth also revealed that he wanted to cast Aishwarya Rai as the character of Neelambari. “Every time I thought of the villainous female lead we had written (Neelambari), Aishwarya Rai kept coming to mind,” he shared. However, this collaboration did not happen, as Aishwarya was busy with other commitments.

The team looked for other options, considering names like Sridevi, Meena, and Madhuri Dixit when director KS Ravikumar eventually suggested Ramya Krishnan. Despite being sceptical, Rajinikanth agreed to a look test, which convinced them she was perfect for the role.

The decision proved transformative, as Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of Neelambari gave Tamil cinema one of its most memorable female villains.