Rajinikanth's Padayappa, Rejected by Aishwarya Rai, Rereleases After 25 Years

• Rajinikanth's 1999 blockbuster 'Padayappa' is set for a re-release.
• The film will hit theaters again on December 12, 2025, coinciding with Rajinikanth's 75th birthday and 50th year in cinema.
• Rajinikanth produced, acted in, and wrote 'Padayappa', intentionally keeping it off TV/OTT for a grand theatrical experience.
• Aishwarya Rai was initially considered for the iconic negative role of Neelambari but rejected it due to prior commitments.
• The character Neelambari, played by Ramya Krishnan, was inspired by Nandini from Kalki Krishnamurthy's 'Ponniyin Selvan'.

Why It Matters: Rajinikanth's 'Padayappa' re-release highlights an iconic role's casting journey.