As director K. S. Ravikumar’s 1999 blockbuster, Padayappa, returns to theatres to celebrate Rajinikanth’s birthday, fans are once again reminded of the film's electric core: the intense rivalry between the titular hero and his formidable antagonist, Neelambari. While actress Ramya Krishnan earned immense praise for her iconic portrayal of the vengeful villain, she once revealed a surprising fact: she initially hesitated to take on the role.

The Unthinkable Role: Antagonist to the Superstar

The dynamic between Padayappa and Neelambari is fueled by a pivotal scene where the hero rejects Neelambari's marriage proposal, stating she lacks the qualities he seeks in a life partner. This rejection sparks a lifelong vendetta, driving the entire narrative. Ramya Krishnan’s fierce performance in this central role became a landmark in her career.

However, in a past conversation with Behindwoods, Ramya Krishnan confessed that, if given the option, she would have preferred to play the role of Padayappa's lover, played by Soundarya. She elaborated on the inherent risk of facing off against the superstar: “No heroine would agree to do a negative role opposite Rajinikanth sir.” She noted that becoming the superstar's cinematic antagonist carried a significant professional risk, so much so that some of her co-stars jokingly advised her not to return to Chennai for a few days after the 1999 release.

Fan Backlash and Screen Destruction

Ramya Krishnan’s character, Neelambari, frequently goes toe-to-toe with Rajinikanth's hero throughout the movie, even making scathing comments that tarnish Padayappa's image. According to the actress, this direct confrontation with their beloved icon did not sit well with a particular segment of the audience during the film's initial theatrical run.

She recounted a frightening response where some enraged fans, unable to tolerate the villain insulting their hero, went so far as to destroy the screens of theatres playing the film in the first few days. “It was quite scary,” Ramya said, describing the intensity of the initial backlash. This visceral reaction underscored the unparalleled devotion fans hold for Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth’s Magnanimity: The Greatness of the Star

Despite the real-world consequences and severe initial reaction from some fans, the core of the film remained unchanged. Ramya Krishnan emphasized that the fact that Padayappa was released and stayed in its original form, allowing her character Neelambari to be so powerful and unforgiving, was a profound testament to Rajinikanth’s personal character.

The superstar, known for his humility and willingness to push cinematic boundaries, chose to uphold the integrity of the story and the powerful character created for his co-star, even if it meant challenging his own fan base. “That is his greatness,” the actress concluded, suggesting that Rajinikanth's true magnanimity lay in his courage to allow another performer to shine brightly, even at the cost of being temporarily vilified by his own devotees. The success of Padayappa today is a tribute not just to its action, but to the extraordinary dynamic and professional respect between its two legends.
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