Why Rajinikanth refused to sell digital rights of Padayappa

Padayappa , the 1999 Tamil blockbuster starring Rajinikanth, is set for a major theatrical re-release on December 12, coinciding with the actor’s 75th birthday and his 50th year in the film industry. The film has completed 25 years since its release.

Unlike many of his other films that became television staples, Padayappa remained largely unavailable outside its original cinema run, with only TV broadcasts and no presence on OTT platforms. This was a deliberate decision by Rajinikanth, who wanted to preserve the film’s celebratory experience for fans in a cinematic setting.

Rajinikanth, who was also the film’s lead actor, producer, and story writer, said, “I did not give the rights to any telecast player, despite multiple requests. I wanted people to watch it only on the big screen.