Tamil superstar kept 1999 blockbuster off streaming services to preserve theatrical experience for fans
TAMIL cinema icon Rajinikanth’s 1999 blockbuster Padayappa is making its theatrical comeback on December 12, marking both the superstar’s 75th birthday and his golden jubilee in the film industry.
The re-release arrives 25 years after the original, but one question has long puzzled fans: why has the film never appeared on any digital streaming platform? The superstar has now provided the answer.
Beyond his role as the film’s lead actor, Rajinikanth also served as producer and story creator for Padayappa. In a recently released video, he explained his decision to withhold streaming rights despite numerous offers from broadcasters and digital platforms.
“I refused to grant rights to any telecast player, even though many approached me,” Rajinikanth reportedly said. “My intention was for audiences to experience it exclusively in theatres. It should be a “kondattam” (celebration) for my supporters as I complete 50 years in cinema.”
The video also revealed previously unknown details about the film’s production. Rajinikanth disclosed that Aishwarya Rai was his first choice for the antagonist role of Neelambari.
“Every time the Neelambari character came to mind, I pictured Aishwarya Rai,” he stated. “I believed she was perfect for this part and would excel in it. We spent nearly three months attempting to secure her availability.”
He added that the team exhausted all channels, including reaching out through her family members. “Had she shown interest and asked us to wait, we would have delayed production by a year. The character’s impact was that crucial—without the right casting, the entire film would have failed. Eventually, we understood she had no interest in the role.”
The part ultimately went to Ramya Krishnan, whose performance became legendary in Tamil cinema.
Rajinikanth confirmed that the film’s narrative was his original concept, which he shared with director K.S. Ravikumar. After hearing the storyline, Ravikumar developed the screenplay that became Padayappa.
The superstar also revealed that the character was influenced by Nandini from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s historical novel Ponniyin Selvan, with the aim of creating a feature-length film centered on that inspiration.
Looking ahead, Rajinikanth announced that a sequel titled ‘Neelambari’ is in development, with story discussions currently underway.
Padayappa chronicles the journey of its titular character whose family faces humiliation and displacement by a relative. Through determination and hard work, Padayappa rebuilds his family’s reputation, only to face continued challenges from past rivalries and a vengeful woman.
The Tamil action drama, written and directed by K.S. Ravikumar, featured an ensemble cast including Sivaji Ganesan, Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya, Lakshmi, Sithara, Radha Ravi, Nassar, Manivannan, Abbas, and Preetha.
The film’s music, both soundtrack and background score, was composed by Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman.
