Padayappa (1999) is a Tamil language action drama, where officially director KS Ravikumar is credited for the writing, but a widely known lore with respect to the hit movie is that Superstar Rajinikanth, lead star of the film, provided improvisations to the story. Padayappa was produced by a banner called 'Arunachala Cine Creations', and Rajinikanth's presumed relatives, K. Sathya Narayana, M. V. Krishna Rao, K. Vittal Prasad Rao, along with known producer P. L. Thenappan, were credited as producers. 

Ahead of Rajinikanth turning 75 on December 12, 2025, it was officially announced by his second daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth that Padayappa is re-releasing in theaters, 26 years since its original release on April 10, 1999. "Get ready for #TheReturnOfPadayappa, roaring back into theatres on 12/12/2025", updated Soundarya via her official X handle. 

For 50 unforgettable years, the one and only #SuperstarRajinikanth has inspired generations with his grace, his humility, and his unmatched magic on screen. ❤️✨

Today, as millions celebrate this golden milestone, watch Thalaivar relive the memories behind one of his most iconic… pic.twitter.com/EqBWgdk71N

— soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) December 7, 2025

2025 also marks 50 years since Rajinikanth entered the film industry. In lieu of these multiple milestones, a special video where the Superstar 'relives' coming up with the story for Padayappa, and deciding to self-produce the film is all set to be unveiled. Padayappa had Rajinikanth teaming up with actress Ramya Krishnan for the first time, giving Tamil cine viewers an iconic protagonist-antagonist duo never-before seen in Kollywood before. 

A small technical delay, but when it’s our Thalaivar, it will surely be worth the wait ✨✨
The special #Padayappa video, where Superstar opens his heart and shares his experience of making this iconic blockbuster, will arrive soon.

We will keep you updated. Thank you for your…

— soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) December 7, 2025

Rajinikanth has famously stated that Ramya Krishnan's 'Neelambari' character was inspired from Kalki Krishnamoorthy's fictional 'Nandhini' character, which in 2022-23 was brought to screen-life by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Mani Ratnam directed Ponniyin Selvan movies. Padayappa has AR Rahman for music, and stars late actors Sivaji Ganesan, Soundarya in pivotal roles.