Just a few days ago, the makers of one of the most anticipated biopics of 2019 released the logo of the film with a controversial tagline, 'Not A Porn Star' clearly emphasising the perspective of the film. 'Shakeela' is based on the life of the Southern actress of the same name, whose popularity soared after the untimely and tragic demise of Silk Smitha."

Even though she was known primarily for her roles in adult films, her phenomenal success made her several enemies and said to have caused ripples in the male-dominated industry of the time. She was an unlikely superstar whose films were translated into foreign languages like Chinese and Russian in her prime. Her box office was often responsible for helping cinema halls survive in B and C towns in the South.