In a deeply moving interview released as part of Padayappa's re-release promotions coinciding with his 75th birthday on December 12th, Superstar Rajinikanth opened his heart about the film that continues to resonate with audiences 25 years later. Speaking with the same natural charm and engaging style that captivates audiences during his stage speeches, Thalaivar delivered yet another memorable interaction that has left fans emotional and provided unprecedented insights into the making of this iconic film.

True to his characteristic speaking style, Rajinikanth effortlessly switched between humor and emotion, keeping viewers glued to every word with his trademark pauses and expressions. His ability to connect with the audience - whether on stage or in an intimate interview setting - once again proved why he remains the unmatched Superstar of Indian cinema.

What Thalaivar Revealed: The Key Moments

On the Film's Unprecedented Female Following: Rajinikanth expressed genuine amazement at how Padayappa struck a chord with women audiences. He shared that he had never experienced such an overwhelming response from female viewers for any of his previous films. The Superstar noted how entire families, led by mothers and daughters, would watch the film multiple times, something that surprised even him during the original release.

Memories of Sivaji Ganesan: The interview's most emotional moments came when Rajinikanth spoke about working with the legendary Sivaji Ganesan, who played his father in the film. Thalaivar revealed the deep respect and learning experience he had working alongside the veteran actor, sharing how Sivaji's presence elevated every scene they shared together.

The Late Soundarya's Impact: Rajinikanth's voice grew heavy with emotion as he remembered his co-star Soundarya, who played Vasundhara. He spoke about her dedication to the role and how her untimely passing made their scenes together even more precious in hindsight. The Superstar described her as a gifted actress who brought genuine warmth to her character.

Ramya Krishnan's Powerful Performance: Thalaivar praised Ramya Krishnan's portrayal of Neelambari, calling it one of the most memorable antagonist performances in Tamil cinema. He revealed how her commitment to the character was so intense that she would remain in character even after shots were completed.

The Dialogue Legacy: Rajinikanth shared insights about the film's iconic dialogues, revealing how they were crafted to be both powerful and respectful. He expressed amazement at how fans, including children born after the film's release, can recite these lines from memory today.

A.R. Rahman's Musical Magic: The Superstar fondly recalled the music sessions and how A.R. Rahman's compositions became integral to the film's emotional impact. He specifically mentioned how certain songs were composed with particular characters in mind, creating perfect synergy between music and narrative.

Watch the Complete Interview Below:

Massive Fan Response Across Platforms

The interview release has triggered an emotional tsunami across social media platforms. Fans have been sharing clips with tearful reactions, with many posting about how hearing Thalaivar speak so personally has deepened their connection to both the film and the Superstar.

Twitter and Instagram have been flooded with hashtags related to the interview, with fans expressing gratitude for Rajinikanth's openness in sharing these personal memories. Many have commented that this level of candid revelation is rare from the typically private Superstar.

Soundarya's Directorial Pride and Behind-the-Scenes Magic

In a touching addition to the campaign, Soundarya Rajinikanth shared her experience directing her father's interview, describing it as one of her most fulfilling directorial experiences. She revealed how even the crew members were moved during the filming, with everyone on set becoming emotional as Rajinikanth shared his heartfelt memories.

Her birthday wish for Rajinikanth on his 75th birthday included gratitude for being able to document this special conversation. Soundarya posted behind-the-scenes moments showing the intimate setup and the genuine emotions captured during the interview shoot.

Behind-the-Scenes Video: