It is often said that class is permanent, and Superstar Rajinikanth has proven this adage true yet again. The 1999 blockbuster Padayappa, which returned to silver screens to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the actor’s 75th birthday, has pulled off a box office feat that few industry insiders could have predicted.
In an era where new releases struggle to hold audience attention, this vintage masala entertainer has crossed the ₹12 crore mark worldwide in its opening weekend alone, eventually surging past ₹16 crore within the first week. Emerging as one of the highest-grossing re-releases in the history of Indian cinema, the film has reignited the theatre culture in Tamil Nadu.
However, the burning question among trade analysts and fans remains: Did Padayappa manage to break the record set by Thalapathy Vijay’s Ghilli?
Box Office Breakdown: A Historic Opening
According to leading trade tracker Sacnilk, Padayappa opened to a staggering estimated ₹4 crore to ₹4.5 crore worldwide on its first day, December 12. Usually, re-released films follow a specific pattern: a massive opening day fueled by die-hard fans, followed by a sharp drop in collections. Padayappa, however, defied this logic.
Instead of dipping, the film showed steady growth across Saturday and Sunday, pushing its total weekend gross comfortably into double digits. The breakdown of the collections reveals a consistent upward trend:
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Day 1: ₹4 – 4.5 Crore
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Day 2: ₹8 – 9 Crore (Cumulative)
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Day 3: ₹14.8 Crore (Cumulative)
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Day 5: ₹16 Crore (Cumulative)
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Day 6: ₹16.5 Crore (Cumulative)
While the momentum slowed slightly after the massive opening weekend, the film’s performance in Tamil Nadu has been nothing short of spectacular, supported heavily by overseas markets with significant Tamil populations.
The Battle of Re-releases: Padayappa vs. Ghilli
Despite the massive success of Padayappa, the records indicate that Thalapathy Vijay’s sports-action drama Ghilli retains the crown.
When Ghilli (originally released in 2004) was re-released on April 20, 2024, it created a box office tsunami. In its first six days, Ghilli collected approximately ₹19.75 crore, significantly higher than Padayappa’s ₹16.5 crore in the same timeframe.
Currently, Padayappa holds the 5th spot on the list of highest-grossing re-releases in India, sitting comfortably alongside hits like Sachein. However, Ghilli remains the undisputed leader of this trend, having grossed nearly ₹50 crore in its total re-release run, making it an “All-Time Blockbuster” of re-releases.
While Padayappa may not have toppled Ghilli, its theatrical run is far from over. Trade experts suggest that depending on how long theatres retain the film, the final figures could still see a significant shift.
Nostalgia Fuels a Rare Theatrical Run
What is driving audiences back to the cinemas for a film that is readily available on streaming platforms? Trade analysts attribute this strong performance to a powerful combination of nostalgia and the communal theatrical experience.
“The big screen experience appears to have drawn audiences in large numbers. Many theatres reported near-full occupancy during evening and weekend shows, driven by fans revisiting a film that defined an era.”
Unlike typical re-releases that rely on opening-day curiosity, Padayappa has benefited from strong word-of-mouth. Younger viewers—Generation Z fans who knew the film largely through pop culture memes and Instagram reels—have turned up in significant numbers to witness the magic firsthand.
The Emotional Return of Soundarya
Amidst the celebrations of box office numbers, a wave of emotion has swept through the fanbase regarding the film’s leading lady, the late actress Soundarya.
Soundarya, who was a top-tier actress across Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada industries, tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash in 2004 while campaigning for elections. She was at the peak of her career, having acted alongside legends like Kamal Haasan (Kaathala Kaathala) and Rajinikanth (Arunachalam and Padayappa).
In a video interview that has gone viral since the re-release, Soundarya spoke candidly about her experience working on Padayappa.
“I thought my journey with Rajini sir was complete after Arunachalam. I was satisfied with that. I never expected the opportunity to work in Padayappa. When the offer came, I didn’t know how to react. Rajinikanth is such a simple man; he makes everyone working with him feel incredibly comfortable,” Soundarya said in the resurfaced clip.
Her portrayal in the film, and her chemistry with Rajinikanth, remains a highlight. For many fans, seeing her on the big screen again has been a bittersweet experience, reminding the industry of a talent lost too soon.
The Iconic Neelambari and Sequel Rumors
No conversation about Padayappa is complete without mentioning the antagonist, Neelambari, played by the powerhouse Ramya Krishnan.
Her portrayal of the vengeful, prideful woman is often cited as one of the most iconic villain roles in Indian cinema history. The character’s rage and emotional volatility continue to resonate with audiences today.
Adding fuel to the fire of the film’s renewed interest, Rajinikanth recently dropped a bombshell. He revealed that he has discussed the possibility of a sequel told from Neelambari’s perspective. This potential project would explore her belief that she was the one wronged and her subsequent desire for revenge, a concept that has sent fans into a frenzy of speculation.
Sivakarthikeyan’s Fanboy Moment
The re-release was not just celebrated by the general public but by celebrities as well. Leading actor Sivakarthikeyan was spotted at a screening, turning into a complete fanboy.
In a video circulating on social media, Sivakarthikeyan is seen whistling and cheering uncontrollably during Rajinikanth’s mass introduction scene.
Sivakarthikeyan Productions’ co-producer, Kalai Arasu, shared a photo with the actor, captioning it:
“Back to the days when Padayappa meant whistles, goosebumps, and pure Thalaivar magic… Padayappa + Rajinikanth = forever. Thalaivar fanboys for life.”
This moment highlights how Padayappa bridges the gap between generations, influencing current superstars who grew up idolizing Rajinikanth.
Cast and Crew: The Pillars of Success
Directed by KS Ravikumar and produced by Rajinikanth under his Arunachala Cine Creations banner, the film featured a legendary ensemble cast.
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Sivaji Ganesan: The legendary actor played Rajinikanth’s father, adding immense gravitas to the first half.
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AR Rahman: The musical score remains a key element of the film’s appeal, with songs receiving thunderous responses in theatres even 25 years later.
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Supporting Cast: Stalwarts like Manivannan, Nassar, Radha Ravi, and Abbas played pivotal roles that kept the screenplay tight and engaging.
What’s Next for the Stars?
As Padayappa continues its victory lap, the focus also shifts to the future projects of the stars involved.
Rajinikanth is gearing up for Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The sequel to the 2023 blockbuster is expected to feature a massive pan-Indian cast including Mohanlal and Vijay Sethupathi, targeting a mid-2026 release. Following this, he is reportedly set to collaborate with director Ramkumar Balakrishnan for a project tentatively titled Thalaivar 173.
Sivakarthikeyan, fresh off his celebrations, is preparing for his next big release. Reports suggest he will star in a period drama titled Parasakthi (as per source reports), featuring Ravi Mohan as the antagonist and Sreeleela in a lead role.
Verdict
As Padayappa continues its theatrical run, its performance stands as proof that true quality does not age. While it may not have statistically beaten Ghilli, it has succeeded in a more important metric: Cultural Impact. It has reclaimed the spotlight, proving that for Rajinikanth and his fans, the magic is truly everlasting.