The death of Padaiyappa's father destroys his family. But his luck changes, and he is able to lead a prosperous life, until his nemesis plots to ruin his happiness once more.

PADAYAPPA-is about a respected mechanical engineer, Padayappa (Rajinikanth), whose life takes a turn after his fathers death, leading to family conflict, betrayal by his vengeful cousin Neelambari (Ramya Krishnan) who wants him after he rejects her, and his rise to prosperity despite her schemes, all while he's in love with the virtuous maid Vasundhara (Soundarya).