Known as the director with the magic touch -- his films like Gentleman, Kaadhalan, Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan were hits -- Shankar's movies are famous for their grandeur and technical finesse.

Boys, about five boys and a girl forming a music band, was a coming-of-age drama that was severely criticised for its vulgar content.

Political figures like Dr K Krishnaswamy, founder of the Dalit organisation Puthiya Thamizhagam, said the film was a 'bad lesson for the youth.' Several women's organisations went to court to seek a ban on the film.

Boys was not banned and fared decently at the box-office.

Text: Ronjita Kulkarni

'Shankar has taken Tamil films to new depths'