 Writing for "PopMatters", Ranjani Krishnakumar noted that "Padayappa" underlined Rajinikanth's political manoeuvres, evident when his character's lover sings ""Kaadhal therdhalil kattil sinnathil vetri petru nee vaazgha"" (In the election of love, with the symbol of bed, may you win and flourish).The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Vairamuthu.The soundtrack was released through Star Music.