Tamil film "Bad Girl," directed by Vetri Maaran, set for cinema release in September, stirring up anticipation and controversy.
The upcoming Tamil film "Bad Girl," directed by Varsha Bharath and produced by Vetri Maaran, has sparked debate and controversy due to its portrayal of caste and gender dynamics. The film, which has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate, is set for a theatrical release in India on September 5, 2025.
The controversy began with the release of the film's teaser, which depicted a young Brahmin woman named Ramya, played by Anjali Sivaraman, smoking, drinking, and disobeying her parents, leading to backlash over the portrayal of Brahmin identity. Critics argued that the film allegedly promoted alcoholism and challenged traditional caste norms, sparking public debate and social media outcry.
However, the film's creators have remained steadfast in their stance, focusing on the film's artistic and narrative merits. The film's recognition on the international festival circuit, including winning the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the International Film Festival in Rotterdam and the Young Jury Award for Best Feature Film at Valencia's Cinema Jove Festival, appears to have bolstered its reputation despite domestic criticism.
The film's cinematography has been handled by a team of three, including Preetha Jayaraman, Jagadeesh Ravi, and Prince Anderson. The music for "Bad Girl" is composed by Amit Trivedi, marking his Tamil debut as a composer. The film also features a talented cast, including Shanthi Priya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam, Sashank Bommireddipalli, and others.
Despite the controversy, "Bad Girl" has garnered support from notable figures in the Indian film industry, such as Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi, and director Pa Ranjith, who have shown their backing for the film on their social media handles.
Amidst the controversy, it is clear that "Bad Girl" is not afraid to challenge traditional norms and spark conversation. The film's release on September 5, 2025, will undoubtedly be a significant moment for the Tamil film industry.
The film's Tamil debut composer, Amit Trivedi, also responsible for music, adds an element of entertainment to the cinematic experience of "Bad Girl". As the movie continues to make waves in the international film festivals circuit, with wins at Rotterdam and Cinema Jove Festivals, its reputation echoes beyond the discussions of caste and gender dynamics, touching on movies-and-tv and entertainment.
