Padayappa is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It stars Sivaji Ganesan in his penultimate release and Rajinikanth in the titular lead. Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya and Pritha Hari share other lead roles, while Lakshmi, Radha Ravi, Nassar, Abbas and Sithara play supporting roles. The soundtrack album and background score were composed by A. R. Rahman. The film revolves around the title character and his family being targeted in a generations-long revenge by his cousin Neelambari, a narcissistic woman who was left humiliated after Padayappa rejected her love proposal as he was in love with her good-natured home worker Vasundhara.

Plot

Padayappa is a mechanical engineer who returns to his village Jalakandapuram to attend his sister Nandhini's engagement to Suryaprakash, the son of their maternal uncle Rajarathnam. His father, Dharmalingam, is a respected village chieftain. During his stay, Padayappa comes across Vasundhara, Rajarathnam'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. Dharmalingam's younger brother Ramalingam demands a share in the family property because he wants wealth and respect like his brother, but 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 dies just as they leave. Within days, Suryaprakash marries Ramalingam's daughter Meena without the villagers' knowledge, craving their newfound wealth and status. Padayappa's mother, Savitri is insulted by Rajarathnam, but she blesses the couple and leaves.