Anurag Kashyap-backed 'Bad Girl' accused of being anti-Brahmin: Controversy explained
What's the story
The Tamil film Bad Girl, produced by Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap, has been mired in controversy ever since its trailer dropped on Sunday (January 26).
Critics, including noted Kollywood directors and social media users, have raised concerns over the portrayal of the Brahmin community in the film.
In light of these criticisms, actor Shanthi Priya—who plays a pivotal role in the movie—has publicly defended the film's intentions.
Here's what exactly happened.
Actor's response
'Art is a medium of expression': Priya's defense
On Wednesday (January 29), Priya took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the backlash against Bad Girl.
She stressed that the film was not intended to hurt but to start conversations and promote understanding about the challenges faced by different communities.
"Art is a medium of expression, and cinema often reflects the complexities of society, relationships, and identities. Films like these aim to break stereotypes and shed light on unexplored narratives, often challenging societal norms," she wrote.
Filmmakers' intent
Film's intention is to 'spark conversation, encourage reflection'
Priya further defended the filmmakers, saying that Maaran and Kashyap are known for their bold take on social themes.
"Their intention is not to offend, but to spark conversation and encourage audiences to reflect on the intricacies of life and tradition."
"Art doesn't have to align with everyone's comfort zone—it is meant to provoke thought and promote empathy for experiences beyond our own," she added.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Priya's full post here
Art is a medium of
— shanthi priya (@shanthipriya333) January 29, 2025expression, and cinema often reflects the complexities of society, relationships, and identities. Films like these aim to break stereotypes and shed light on unexplored narratives, often challenging societal norms across all communities, not just one.… https://t.co/Z0njGJl1BD
Film premiere
'Bad Girl' to premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam
Meanwhile, Bad Girl will have its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and will be competing in the Tiger competition.
The film features Anjali Sivaraman, Priya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam, and Sashank Bommireddipalli.
Bad Girl's teaser was launched at an event in Chennai on Sunday. It shows Sivaraman as Ramya, a youngster who always wanted a boyfriend but gets shamed for getting intimate when she finds one.
Film availability
Film will be available for viewing at IFFR
The film will be screened at IFFR on Friday (January 31), February 1, 3, and 6.
Preetha Jayaraman, Jagadeesh Ravi, and Prince Anderson handled the cinematography while Amit Trivedi and Radha Sridhar composed songs and edited the film.
The film's description on the IFFR website reads: "From her journey through high school and college...Ramya's dream of finding the perfect guy is obstructed by societal mores...in Varsha Bharath's naughty and affecting comedy."