The iconic Tamil film 'Padayappa,' a landmark in Rajinikanth's career, has stormed back into theatres, creating a box office frenzy on the occasion of the superstar's 75th birthday. More than just a re-release, this event marked an emotional milestone for actress Ramya Krishnan, who delivered the legendary performance of the villain Neelambari, as she watched the film with an audience for the very first time, a full 25 years after its original release.
The Fear That Followed a Legendary Role
Directed by KS Ravikumar, 'Padayappa' was released in 1999 as a celebration of Rajinikanth's 25th year in the film industry. It also featured the legendary Sivaji Ganesan in one of his final film appearances. While the film was a monumental success, Ramya Krishnan's powerful portrayal of Neelambari, Rajinikanth's formidable rival, initially sparked extreme reactions from fans.
So intense was the backlash that when the film first hit screens, Ramya Krishnan was advised to stay away from Chennai. Fans, unable to separate the actor from the role, had reportedly torn screens and thrown shoes in theatres during Neelambari's scenes. Junior artists warned the actress, who was in Hyderabad at the time, of threats from agitated fans, preventing her from witnessing the film's initial theatrical run. This period instilled a sense of fear, even as her performance became the talk of the nation.
A 25-Year-Old Dream Fulfilled in Chennai
The recent re-release provided a cathartic closure to that chapter. For the first time in 25 years, Ramya Krishnan sat in a Chennai theatre to watch 'Padayappa' surrounded by cheering fans. The actress captured the electrifying atmosphere on her phone, sharing a video on Instagram where the audience erupted in whistles and applause during Neelambari's iconic scenes.
Her emotional post, stating "Finally watched Padayappa in the theater for the first time," said it all. The video clearly showed her childlike joy, especially during the scene where Neelambari meets Padayappa after 18 years, embodying the emotion of a quarter-century-long wait.
The Casting Decision That Made History
The re-release and Ramya's experience have reignited discussions about the film's legacy. Fans overwhelmingly agree that there is no 'Padayappa' without Neelambari. Interestingly, history could have been very different. It is widely reported that Rajinikanth had initially recommended Aishwarya Rai for the role of Neelambari.
However, director KS Ravikumar's insistence on casting Ramya Krishnan is now hailed as a masterstroke, a decision that many believe elevated 'Padayappa' from a great film to a historical epic in Tamil cinema. Her performance redefined the archetype of a female antagonist, giving the word 'villain' a new, more nuanced meaning.
The triumphant return of 'Padayappa' to the big screen proves its timeless appeal. It is not just a celebration of Rajinikanth's stardom but also a belated and rightful tribute to Ramya Krishnan's fearless artistry, which faced fire to ultimately become immortal.
