Padayappa is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language masala film written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It stars Sivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya with Abbas, Lakshmi, Radha Ravi and Nassar playing supporting roles. The soundtrack album and background score were composed by A. R. Rahman. The plot revolves around the titular character, Aarupadayappan, and his family being targeted in a generations-long revenge by his cousin Neelambari, a vamp who was left humiliated after Padayappa rejected her love proposal and instead fell in love with her timid, good-natured house maid Vasundhara.

Plot

Padayappa is a mechanical engineer who returns to his village near Thanjavur to attend his sister Nandhini's engagement to Suryaprakash, the son of their maternal uncle Rajarathnam. His father Dharmalingam is the respected village Chieftain. During his stay, he comes across Vasundhara, his uncle's maid, and falls in love with her. Suryaprakash's sister, Neelambari, also falls in love with Padayappa, making Vasundhara scared to admit her feelings. When Dharmalingam's brother Ramalingam demands a share in the family property because he wants wealth and respect like his brother, Dharmalingam refuses to divide the property and instead gives the entire property and wealth to Ramalingam. The family leaves their home the same evening to go to Padayappa's home in Madras, but unable to bear the shock, Dharmalingam passes away just as they leave. Within days, Suryaprakash marries Ramalingam's daughter without the village's knowledge, craving their newfound wealth and status. Padayappa's mother Savithri is insulted by her brother, but she blesses the couple and leaves.