Rajinikanth is busy shooting for his highly anticipated film Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Amid this, excitement around another iconic project has resurfaced following the recent theatrical
re-release of his 1999 blockbuster Padayappa.
During promotional interactions for the re-release, Rajinikanth had hinted at the possibility of a sequel, sparking widespread curiosity among fans. Now, his daughter and filmmaker Soundarya Rajinikanth has officially confirmed a major development regarding Padayappa 2.
Soundarya Rajinikanth Shares Update on Padayappa 2 Story
In a recent interaction with Indiaglitz, Soundarya Rajinikanth revealed that the superstar has already completed writing the story for Padayappa 2. While the update has thrilled fans, she clarified that the project is still in its early stages. She said, “It is absolutely brilliant, but we haven’t decided on a director and are not sure when it will materialise.”
At present, no further details regarding casting, direction or timelines have been finalised.
Padayappa: A Rajinikanth Classic That Defined an Era
Released in 1999, Padayappa remains one of Rajinikanth’s most celebrated films. Directed by KS Ravikumar and based on a story written by Rajinikanth himself, the film went on to become a massive box-office success.
The story revolves around a principled engineer who returns to his ancestral village and finds himself locked in conflict with his manipulative step-sister. As the narrative unfolds, he confronts betrayal, land disputes and deep-rooted family tensions, ultimately restoring his family’s honour through wisdom and moral strength. The film also famously featured the fierce character of Neelambari, whose obsession with the protagonist became one of Indian cinema’s most iconic portrayals.
The ensemble cast included Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya, Lakshmi, Sithara, Radha Ravi and several others in pivotal roles.
Rajinikanth’s Upcoming Film Jailer 2 Details
On the work front, Rajinikanth will next be seen headlining Jailer 2, the sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer. Directed once again by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film is expected to feature appearances by Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Vidya Balan and Mithun Chakraborty. The film is reportedly slated for a mid-2026 release.
There has also been speculation about a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan, although no official confirmation has been announced. Adding to the buzz, Vijay Sethupathi recently confirmed his involvement in the sequel.
Rajinikanth’s Next After Jailer 2
Following Jailer 2, Rajinikanth is set to star in a film tentatively titled Thalaivar173. The project will be directed by Don fame Cibi Chakravarthy and is described as a light-hearted action entertainer. The film will be co-produced by Kamal Haasan under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Initially, filmmaker Sundar C was expected to direct the project. However, due to prior commitments, he stepped away from the film.
