Rajinikanth confirms 'Padayappa 2' talks, reveals title and untold secrets

Superstar Rajinikanth has revealed that he is currently discussing the story for a sequel to his blockbuster film 'Padayappa'. He said that if the idea shapes up well, it could give fans the kind of celebration usually seen during a festival. The revelation was made in a video titled 'The Return of Padayappa', released ahead of the film’s re-release.

'Padayappa' is set to hit theatres again on December 12 to mark Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday. In the video, the actor shared several lesser-known details about the 1999 classic.

Rajinikanth recalled the kind of hysteria the film generated, saying, “As far as I know in my 50 years in the film industry, the first time women broke open the gates of a theatre to watch a film was 'Padayappa'.” He added that with films like 2.0 and Jailer, the idea of revisiting Padayappa struck him naturally.

He also hinted at the storyline for the sequel. Since Neelambari, played by Ramya Krishnan, vows in the first film that she will take revenge in her next birth, Rajinikanth said the sequel would be titled 'Neelambari – Padayappa 2'. “We are discussing a story. If the film comes out well, it will be another 'Padayappa' and a festival-like celebration for fans,” he said.

The actor also revealed that he was the actual producer of 'Padayappa' and had come up with the story himself. He even coined the film’s title. “When we were thinking of a title, I suddenly suggested 'Padayappa'. I don’t know how it came to my mind. Director K S Ravikumar was shocked. He said he had never heard the word before and wondered if it sounded old-fashioned. I told him it had a nice ring to it, and he finally agreed,” Rajinikanth said.