User reviews

The movie is designed to please Rajni lovers. It is action packed and full of Rajni mannerisms and AR Rehman songs. What is amazing about this movie is that Rajni's antagonist in this movie is Ramya Krishnan and blow for blow she matches Rajni's style in her own way and you get a perfect villain for Rajni here. Fun movie and a good watch till the end.

Entertaining to the core, this is another in a line of commercial Rajinikanth movies. Rajini is certainly the typical hero who can do no wrong! The usual Rajini magic with his one-liner (roughly translated as: My way is unique), stunts and songs about how grateful he is to Tamil Nadu and the people who have given him his fame are all there in this movie. Soundarya is rather aptly cast as the sweet servant who captures Rajini's heart. The real highlight is Ramya Krishnan as the villain. She plays the role of an egotistical and haughty woman who falls in love with the hero and has to deal with his rejection and ultimate marriage to her servant and yet remains undefeated! All in all, typical "masala"!

Padayappa (1999) : Brief Review -

80s Family Drama formula blended into superhit mass action saga with Rajinikanth's larger than life image. Everything about Padayappa is overwhelming and outbreaking for mass lovers. We have been through family dramas about pride and promises but none of them had such a terrific mass appeal. Tamil flick Nattamai was a trendsetter in that family drama genre with king sized characteristics and Padayappa is very much like copy of it except for the fact it gives you Rajinikanth in larger than life avatar. Remember Bahubali recently and how Rajamouli took his protagonist to almost god level with his extraordinary vision? If i can say so then Padayppa had the same vision then, of course considering the limits of filmmaking during 90s. The death of Padaiyappa's father destroys his family. But his luck changes, and he is able to lead a prosperous life, until his nemesis plots to ruin his happiness once more. That later half is quite similar 80s formula where we see the incomplete of Revenge of one generation is carried forward to the next generation in their old days. All said so, the writing doesn't really matter much because it's a out an out mass film so it just had to take care of basic storyline. Rajinikanth goes all out, full of his swag and on majestic level as Padayappa. He's unbeatable, he's the KING! Rajini was expected to do these marvelous things but Ramya Krishnan came as a Big Surprise! What a great female antagonist she had played. First she looks damn hot in the beginning, the sex appeal is too high. Later, she turns obsessive and reckless yet delivers a cracking performance. Rajini vs Ramya was like a Clash of Titans! Ravikumar goes completely out of the Box from narrow minded mass filmmaking and presents a larger than life mass Flick in Family Drama genre which was a rare thing, it still is actually. Overall, a Super Mass Entertainer for contemporary cinema.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I was utterly disappointed after looking at the rating of the movie - 5 - who are those @#$% who rated this movie. I would give it a straight 10. This was a better movie compared to Chandramukhi (and of course BABA).

Here the director has given Rajini ample scope to perform in all three stages of the hero's life. His style, stunts and comedy in the first half. His responsible side after his dad's demise and as a father of 2 teens in the latter stages of the movie.

Initially it seemed that it was Ramya Krishnan's movie rather than Rajni's, but that was the highlight of the whole movie. You have to create something which is really bad so that our hero can destroy it with his flair.

I am still angry at the ratings for this movie. Hats off to Ravikumar(director) and Rajni and Ramya.

Hi friends,

I'm not able to forget the moment when I saw this movie. I like the Hero of this movie very much, cuz of his style and his fast action who is the super star of TN, India named RajniKanth. The people living in this state don't want to miss his films. In every film he will deliver a message for the people living at there. Still lot of craze is on him. I saw this movie on its releasing date. On this there are 2 heroins. One is Ramya Krishnan and Sowndarya. Both are having a good role in this film. Particularly RamyaKrishnan finished a villi role in this film. She fall in love with RajniKanth. But Rajni is loving Sowndarya. Sowndarya is the house maid for RamyaKrishnan. This story moves like this. If you have a chance Don't miss. Really worth to see this film. Thanks.

hii my friends,

this is the film of my most beloved hero, my superstar 's film, every frame is thrilling and fast paced even at this age, the actor shows lot of youthfulness. that is his unique style, he has huge followin in japan too, and all over india and east asia.

PADAIYAPPA the movie with RAMYA KRISHNAN made records in the cinema shows but even today it is a movie to appreciate as central to our thinking of cinema in it's years of adolescence which was not well received by us in school like with our mother tongue from the subcontinent. Correcting those basics are now forgotten time but in order to progress like a disqualified student from a qualified school spoke.

Being a 90s kid while this movie was released it was like a festival. Even now if you watch the film is fresh. One could not ask for more from Rajnikanth. Such a splendid style that goes hand in hand with his dialogues and ARR music. So much of plot in the movie. A very well written family drama with lot of Goosebumps moments. One can go and watch it and feel energetic.

Excellent Movie. Everybody acted very well in the movie. Songs and BGM in the movie were excellent. The movie was not at all boring. This movie is one of the Best Movie of Rajinikanth and K. S. Ravikumar. Excellent Movie.

My friends this is one of the best movies in Tamil Cinema especially the best style of Rajnikanth sir. This is a celebration of the time when he first became superstar and a trend setter. I don't know what is up with the reviewers of this movie. Sure this movie is set in the village but this is the best movie that is based in the village as nowadays village movies are not that great anymore. The story is nice and the plot was good. Sure there were some illogical parts but come on its a superstar movie. Ramya Krishnan just stole the show I mean her performance was amazing and she was the one of the highlights of this film. Soundarya was good as well especially her shyness and innocence. Nassar is good and Manivannan was quite funny. Senthil as usual his comedy is good and keeps the movie going. Abbas had an amazing presence as Padyappa's son in law and one of the best actors of the '90s and '00s. The whole supporting cast performed well as they really helped the main cast. Of course I couldn't forget about the one and only Sivaji Ganesan who had a memorable presence in this film especially as the father of Padayappa. It was a rare occasion to see even more than one superstar in one movie. To see Sivaji Ganesan as superstar of one generation and Rajnikanth the superstar of the next generation. A.R. Rahman gave the best songs and BGM for Superstar Rajnikanth's movie. This is among his best works and among the best music for Rajni sir among Ilayaraja, MS Viswanathan, and Deva. Sivaji Ganesan even to this day is one of the best actors of all time. May his soul rest in peace. Soundarya was one of the most sought after actresses during the '90s and '00s may her soul rest in peace. Manivannan may his soul rest in peace. Padyappa is among one of Rajnikanth's best movies. This is style done gracefully and not only a treat for Rajnikanth fans but a treat for Indian movie fans. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Super excellent movie is awesome and nice excellent narration............ Storyline is working on the way to impressive To be honest..... Every character in the movie is well settled in their roles Good skills they are will deserved to be in the movie The collection will be huge and the same way fame also came to this excellent Good Words are not enough to describe this movie Excellent Marvellous super movie Good in description and nice message to society and people who are watching movie this movie can bring changes in society and the way of behaviour of every men Very good message super and excellent.

Padaiyappa is a classic Rajinikanth film that blends family drama, romance, and larger-than-life action with his trademark style. The story follows an honest man rising from hardship, balancing his principles with challenges from a powerful rival, played brilliantly by Ramya Krishnan. The movie is packed with memorable dialogues, emotional intensity, and a strong message about self-respect and perseverance. It remains a fan favorite for its mix of mass appeal and meaningful storytelling.

A visually stunning film that balances spectacle with heart. The performances are layered, the pacing tight, and the direction confident. While a few clichés linger, its emotional depth and striking cinematography elevate it beyond genre conventions. A must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.go for it.

Padaiyappa movie full of comedy scenes romance and dramatic. Old is gold.nice movie with good story.mujhe yah film achi lgi

The death of Padaiyappa's father destroys his family. But his luck changes, and he is able to lead a prosperous life, until his nemesis plots to ruin his happiness once more..

The movie delivers an engaging mix of storytelling, performances, and visuals. While some parts may feel predictable, strong acting and effective direction keep it entertaining. The cinematography and background score enhance the overall experience, making it a decent watch for fans of the genre yes.

The re-release proved that the movie is so good once again had watching it... Rajini in full form... felt so nostalgic.

I haven't added a review to IMDb since like long time but Padayappa made do it. Good story, fantastic cast, stellar performance by rajini and ramya made this an special back then in 1999 and even an better one now at 2025.

Rajani's top gear performance, Ramya's superb dances, Sivaji sir's presence àll together make a unique movie experience. A. R. Rahman's music is thrilling and mind blowing. The comedy scenes are also a plus point of the movie. The "Padayppa" song is a nice song. I enjoyed the movie very much. Director Ravikumar deserve special appreciation.

Excellent Movie. Everybody acted very well in the movie. Songs and BGM in the movie were excellent. The movie was not at all boring. This movie is one of the Best Movie of Rajinikanth and K. S. Ravikumar. Excellent Movie. Excellent Movie. Everybody acted very well in the movie. Songs and BGM in the movie were excellent. The movie was not at all boring. This movie is one of the Best Movie of Rajinikanth and K. S. Ravikumar. Excellent Movie.

My parents always used to remind me of dancing when I was 2 years old for the opening song in the theatre back in 1999. Now after 26 years still the movie hypes me! Style icon Thalaivar 'What a man!' Ramya Krishnan was surreal! Matching the energy of Thalaivar 'What a woman'!

It was a battle of performance by all the lead artist to give their best! And ARR on the other hand casually created bunch of iconic master piece elevating each and every scene. Decent story and tremendous execution. More of life lessons given away in multiple dialogues.

The emotional scenes with Shivaji Ganeshsan still feel the goosebumps while watching. Few small errors here and there but completely package of entertainer!