Rajinikanth’s Hit Film Padayappa To Be Re-released In Theatres? What We Know

Superstar Rajinikanth has contributed immensely to the film industry with various films in his illustrious career of about fifty years. He rules the Tamil industry with not just his unique charm, but also his ability to seamlessly delve into his characters and showcase his versatility. One of the films that garnered him immense stardom was the 1999 film, Padayappa. The film has recently completed 25 years of its release on April 10, 2024. Now, as per the latest reports, the makers are planning to re-release it. At the peak of his career in the ’90s, Rajinikanth headlined Padayappa and it was directed by KS Ravikumar. The film also starred Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya. Such was its craze, that it emerged to be a massive commercial success and earned accolades and praise from critics as well. The film earned more than Rs 61 crore and set a record as it was the superstar’s first film in the Tamil industry that crossed the Rs 50 crore benchmark.

Now, as per the recent updates, the film’s producers Vittal Prasad and PL Thenappan met the superstar to discuss the re-release, which is underway. Reportedly, the makers shared that the film is already digitised and hence will be easier to release it again. The team is planning to choose the right date for the re-release of Padayappa.

Padayappa garnered immense attention for Rajinikanth, but it is also remembered fondly because of Ramya Krishnan’s character. It was one of the first Tamil films to show an anti-heroine theme, which was reportedly conceived by none other than Rajinikanth himself. In an interview, KS Ravikumar revealed that the anti-heroine character portrayed by Ramya Krishnan was believed to have been based on late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa.

An interesting fact about the film is that the first choice opposite Rajinikanth in the female lead was not Soundarya. Reportedly, the director approached A-lister actress Nagma, opposite Thalaivar. In fact, a few of the scenes of the film were also filmed with her. She dropped out of the film as soon as she found out that Ramya Krishnan was roped in for a meatier role. Later, Soundarya signed up for the role of Vasundhara. It was also the last Tamil film of the legend, Sivaji Ganesan.