A controversial draft bill called Protection of Children from Sexual Offences has just been cleared by the Cabinet. It raises the age of consent from 16 to 18 and has criminalized all kinds of sexual activities with minors. Punishment for such offences ranges from 3 years to lifetime imprisonment depending on the severity of the crime. The Good citizens of the country have risen up in arms against this bill fearing that youngsters curious about their sexuality will be unnecessarily persecuted and prosecuted while others feel the bill is necessary to protect minors from pedophiles and other sexual predators.

While the debate rages on, let us take a look at some of the underage romances seen in Tamil films. Most have been controversial while others have won plaudits for the sensitive handling of a touchy subject.