Padayappa re release: Rajinikanth’s special interview; Padayappa 2 on the cards

Marking Superstar Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday, the iconic blockbuster Padayappa is gearing up for a grand re release on December 12th, coinciding with the star’s 50th anniversary in cinema. The film, which originally hit screens during Rajinikanth’s 25th year in the industry (1999), went on to become one of the biggest commercial successes of Tamil cinema and a cultural milestone loved across generations.

As part of the promotional activities for the re-release, Rajinikanth participated in a special interview where he revisited the legacy of the film, sharing unheard stories and emotional memories from its making. He highlighted how Padayappa connected deeply with audiences, especially women, noting the overwhelming turnout during its initial release.

In a major surprise update, the Superstar confirmed that Padayappa 2 is officially being planned. “We are working on Padayappa 2, titled Neelambari. Story discussions are going on, If everything fell in place – we might look up on further”, Rajinikanth revealed. He also added that the original film holds a special place for him, mentioning that he had only permitted limited telecasts on Sun TV and has not sold the film’s OTT rights yet. “So enjoy revisiting the film in cinemas from December 12th,” he concluded.

Padayappa is celebrated not only for its mass appeal but also for its stellar team. Directed and written by KS Ravikumar with music by AR Rahman, the film featured an ensemble cast including Sivaji Ganesan, Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya, Manivannan, Lakshmi, Abbas, Sithara, Preetha Vijayakumar, Senthil and Ramesh Khanna. Produced by Rajinikanth under Arunachala Cine Creations, the film continues to be remembered as one of Tamil cinema’s most influential entertainers.

With the re-release and exciting developments on Padayappa 2, fans are in for a nostalgic and celebratory cinematic moment.