Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Padayappa Re-Releasing on Rajinikanth's 75th Birthday
Rajinikanth's famous 1999 movie Padayappa is coming back to theaters on December 12, which is also his 75th birthday.
The film was very popular and broke many records.
Rajinikanth shared that he originally wanted Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to play the role of Neelambari, but she wasn't interested.
The team then considered other actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit before choosing Ramya Krishnan.
The character Neelambari was inspired by Nandini from the novel Ponniyin Selvan.
The film was shot in just 70 days.
Rajinikanth also mentioned that a sequel titled Neelambari: Padayappa 2 is in the works and will be an exciting experience for fans.
Padayappa is set for a re-release on December 12, coinciding with Rajinikanth's 75th birthday.
Rajinikanth originally wanted Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to play Neelambari but she declined.
Ramya Krishnan was ultimately chosen for the role of Neelambari.
The film is highly regarded and was not released on OTT platforms.
A sequel titled Neelambari: Padayappa 2 is in the works.
- Who
- Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ramya Krishnan, KS Ravikumar
- What
- Padayappa re-release and potential sequel
- When
- Original film released in 1999, re-release on December 12
- Where
- India, primarily Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To celebrate the film's 25th anniversary and Rajinikanth's 75th birthday
- Film
- Padayappa
- Original Release Year
- 1999
- Re-release Date
- December 12
- Director
- KS Ravikumar
- Original Neelambari Choice
- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
- Final Neelambari Choice
- Ramya Krishnan
- Film Shooting Duration
- 70 days
- Inspiration for Neelambari
- Nandini from 'Ponniyin Selvan'
- Sequel Title
- Neelambari: Padayappa 2
Sources
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was Rajinikanth’s dream pick for Padayappa but she wasn’t interested: ‘Was willing to wait 3 years’
What if Aishwarya Rai had played Neelambari? Rajinikanth reveals untold story of ‘Padayappa’
When Rajinikanth's Padayappa Got Ramya Krishnan Immense HATE From Fans: They Threw Slippers At...
Padayappa Re-release: Before Ramya Krishnan, Rajinikanth Wanted THIS Actor To Play Neelambari
Padayappa set for re-release on Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday: Date, sequel and more details here
Rajnikanth announces sequel to 1999 blockbuster Padayappa; original film to re-release on his 75th birthday
Not Ramya Krishnan, Rajinikanth Reveals Aishwarya Rai Was First Choice For Neelambari In Padayappa
Aishwarya Rai Was First Choice For Neelambari In ‘Padayappa’: Rajini
Why Rajinikanth wanted Aishwarya Rai as Neelambari before Ramya Krishnan took the role
