In 1999, director K. S Ravikumar's Padayappa starring Rajinikanth was welcomed in theatres with pomp and cheer. Given that it had Superstar in the lead fans began pouring love on it. Add to it the interesting plot and right amount of commercial elements – the film became a blockbuster.
Publications heaped praise on Rajinikanth's dialogue delivery, and screen presence in the film. However, film buffs could not get enough of another actor – it was Ramya Krishna who played the role of the antagonist in the film.
When fans hated Neelambari and threw slippers at the screen
Ramya Krishna's role as Neelambari was much more than just playing the 'bubbly' heroine. She was character who exuded confidence, and class. Neelambari challenged the hero and even had a face-off with him to seek revenge.
Despite the film, portraying a 'foreign return' 'modern-dress' clad woman as 'arrogant', Ramya Krishnan brought oomph and beauty to Neelambari, that was on par with Rajinikanth's style. Her lust, and vengeance were all communicated with her expressions, making the audience develop love and hate her on Neelambari.
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However, they didn't know where to draw the line. In an interview she said how much fans disliked her character “I hadn’t heard such kind of swear words till then.
Ramya confessed that when her sister went to the theatre to see Padayappa and saw people throwing slippers at her when she appeared on screen. "After a week, people started appreciating my role," said the actor.
Rajinikanth talks about Neelambari's role
At an event of one of his films, Rajinikanth showered praise on Ramya Krishnan. Actor Rajinikanth said that he considers it as one of the two most powerful antagonists he has faced in his film career.
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Rajinikanth said, “In my decades-long acting career, I found only two antagonists to be formidable and powerful. One is Antony from Baashaa and another is Neelambari from Padayappa.”
Ramya Krishnan and Rajinikanth seen together in director director Nelson's Jailer.