If you’re a 90s kid, you’ve probably watched Boys.
And if you haven’t—well, you missed one of the most audacious, emotional, and musically electric movies of our childhood.
Released in 2003, Boys wasn’t just another coming-of-age story. It was a cultural phenomenon that hit us like a drumbeat in the middle of a cricket field. Quite literally.
From its very first song—Maaro Maaro—A.R. Rahman’s music pulled us into a world that was loud, rebellious, and unfiltered. You didn’t just watch Boys; you felt it. You danced to it. You dreamed with it.
Ahead of Its Time
Two decades later, the movie still holds up.
Why? Because it was never meant to fit in.
Shankar, the director known for his grand vision, gave us something rare for Tamil cinema back then: a youth-centric film that refused to moralize. It celebrated chaos, curiosity, and the courage to chase dreams.
Take Munna, for instance. A college kid who dared to follow his passion for music despite every obstacle. His journey mirrored what so many of us wanted but were too scared to admit—to live a life that wasn’t chosen for us.
And then there was Kumar. His sacrifice, his friendship, and his quiet loyalty reminded us that growing up isn’t just about chasing dreams—it’s about losing, learning, and loving along the way.
Friendship, Love, and Rebellion
Boys was more than a movie—it was a feeling.
It glorified friendship in a way few films have managed since. That gang of boys represented the raw, unfiltered energy of youth.
And of course, there was her.
Genelia D’Souza as Harini wasn’t just a love interest. She was the embodiment of every teenage crush from the early 2000s. When she appeared on screen with the background score of Ale Ale, a generation collectively sighed.
Music That Moved Us
A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack for Boys was pure gold. Every song—Maaro Maaro, Boom Boom, Ale Ale, Girlfriend—became a chapter in our youth.
Rahman didn’t just compose songs; he captured emotions. The playfulness, the heartbreak, the rebellion—it was all there. And who can forget that legendary line that defined an entire era of Tamil music?
“Break the rules.”
Three words. Endless youth.
Beyond Logic, Beyond Rules
Yes, it made little logical sense. A drumset in the middle of a cricket match? Absolutely ridiculous—and yet, utterly unforgettable.
Because that was Boys. It wasn’t meant to make sense. It was meant to make you feel alive.
It reminded us that sometimes, life isn’t about following the rules—it’s about breaking them, dancing in the rain, chasing dreams, and believing in impossible friendships.