Mumbai, Dec 12: Prasad, a global leader in film preservation, restoration, and post-production, is pleased to announce, the 50-year cinematic journey of Superstar Rajinikanth, the re-release of the iconic 1999 blockbuster Padayappa, restored and remastered in stunning 4K with Dolby Atmos sound. The film will return to theatres worldwide on December 12, 2025, aligning with the global celebrations around the Superstar’s birthday.

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Originally released on April 10, 1999, Padayappa was directed by K. S. Ravikumar with music by A. R. Rahman featured unforgettable performances by Rajinikanth, Soundarya, Ramya Krishnan and the legendary Sivaji Ganesan. The film was a massive cultural phenomenon and remains one of the most celebrated works in Tamil cinema.

To honour its legacy, Prasad undertook a complete restoration of the original film elements. The process included high-resolution digitisation, image clean-up, colour enhancement, sound restoration and final mastering, giving the film a renewed visual and sonic richness while preserving its original charm.

A Word from Abhishek Prasad, Director & CTO, Prasad, 

“Restoring a film like Padayappa is not just a technical project it is an emotional journey. This film holds a special place in the hearts of millions, and our responsibility was to honour that memory. When we revisit classics, our goal is to ensure that future generations can experience them with the same joy, vibrancy and cinematic magic that audiences felt decades ago. The 4K restoration brings a new depth to the visuals and sound, without compromising the soul of the film. It has been a privilege to bring Padayappa back to theatres in its finest form yet.”

What This Restoration Brings to Audiences

  • Fully restored and remastered in 4K, offering exceptional clarity and detail
  • Enhanced sound design that elevates A. R. Rahman’s iconic soundtrack in Dolby Atmos. A modern theatre-worthy experience that stays true to the film’s original storytelling
  • A nostalgic celebration for long-time fans and a pristine first-time experience for new viewers

Padayappa remains one of his most memorable films, with dialogues, music and characters that have become part of pop culture. Bringing it back in restored form is both a tribute to his journey and a gift to fans across the world.